If it's ok to pay them outright rather than doing true NIL, seems it's time to add buyout clauses to the NIL contracts these pro athletes are signing. They won't be paying them anyway, so it won't hurt the athletes.
We can also add a trade deadline where the schools can trade the NIL/athlete package to another school for cash, player(s), and/or extra "scholarship slots" to be used immediately or some time in the future. This way the athletes are still paid, but don't have to wait for the portal to announce their transfer.
While they're at it, the schools should add contact fees like there are in soccer and baseball leagues. If an NLI or NILA is signed, there should be a buyout fee set, and a contact fee paid to even talk to or negotiate with the prospect to gage interest.
If we're going to turn it into pro ball and such, then they need to go ahead and set some rules and put some safety nets in place for those investing in these athletes' futures.
We can also add a trade deadline where the schools can trade the NIL/athlete package to another school for cash, player(s), and/or extra "scholarship slots" to be used immediately or some time in the future. This way the athletes are still paid, but don't have to wait for the portal to announce their transfer.
While they're at it, the schools should add contact fees like there are in soccer and baseball leagues. If an NLI or NILA is signed, there should be a buyout fee set, and a contact fee paid to even talk to or negotiate with the prospect to gage interest.
If we're going to turn it into pro ball and such, then they need to go ahead and set some rules and put some safety nets in place for those investing in these athletes' futures.