Do Montana Collegiate Athletes Make Huge Money With NIL?

In July of 2021, the NCAA made a landmark decision that would affect the entire college athletic landscape.  The introduction of the name, image and likeness (NIL) for athletes to make money, without losing eligibility or scholarships during their college career.

Whether it was a good or bad decision won't probably be known for several more years, as things even out and the kinks are worked out.  That doesn't mean that athletes are taking advantage of the rule, even right here in Montana.

That Is an Awfully Lot of Zeros All Lined Up in a Row

In data released by Opendorse, in just the first year of NIL athletes cashed in around $917 million dollars.  On average, a NCAA Division 1 player received $3,700 while certain athletes were cashing in for six figures.  Familiar names like Bronny James in basketball and Olivia Dunne in gymnastics are garnering enormous amounts.

What about Montana athletes?  Are some of our star athletes taking advantage of their name, image or likeness with endorsements from businesses?

94.5 Max Country logo
Get our free mobile app

How Many Athletes Have Deals, What Businesses and What Sports?

Yes, Montana college athletes are finding NIL endorsements according to NIL College Athletes.  At our universities, U of M is leading with 10 players, MSU has 7 that are being endorsed by businesses.  Many of those listed at both universities are sponsored by the company Barstool Sports.

As for the sports that are showing the biggest numbers, across the nation and even in Montana football leads the way with the most athletes being endorsed.  In Montana, basketball, volleyball, track and field, even cross country is represented for sports with athletes doing endorsements.

Top 10 NIL Money Makers in College Sports For 2024

Name, image, likeness or NIL is allowing college athletes to make incredible sums of money with endorsements. With data from Moneyinc.com, here are the top 10 into 2024.

Gallery Credit: JD Knight

Which Montana College Is The Hardest To Get Accepted To In 2024?

Some colleges in Montana take you no matter what, others, you better have some pretty good grades and scored well on the ACT & SAT to get accepted.

Gallery Credit: Nick Northern

United States 25 Most Dangerous College and University Campuses

Since 1990, colleges and universities have been required to report all crimes committed both on and near their campus. Based on data compiled over a 3 year period and only using data from the Clery Act that was reported ON CAMPUS, here are the United States 25 Most Dangerous Campuses as reported by Degreechoices.

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow

More From 94.5 Max Country