Below are the top NIL headlines from April 23rd:

Judge Wilken's Stance on Roster Limits

Judge Claudia Wilken has indicated she will not approve the proposed House v. NCAA settlement in its current form. Her primary concern revolves around the immediate implementation of roster limits without a phase-in period or a grandfather clause for current athletes. She has given the involved parties 14 days to revise the agreement to address this issue.

NCAA's Argument Against Phasing In

The NCAA argues that phasing in roster limits would create significant disruption. They contend that institutions and student-athletes have already made decisions in anticipation of the immediate implementation of these limits upon settlement approval. Altering the language now, according to the NCAA, would lead to further complications and uncertainty. Student-athletes have voiced concerns about the impact of immediate roster limits. They fear losing their roster spots and the increased pressure to perform perfectly to avoid being cut. These athletes believe the immediate implementation of such limits would create an environment of constant anxiety and instability.

Plaintiffs' and NCAA's Reactions

Steve Berman, representing the plaintiffs, expressed a commitment to addressing Judge Wilken's concerns regarding roster limits. He stated his willingness to work with the NCAA and conferences to find a solution. The NCAA and power conferences also acknowledged the order, stating they are reviewing it closely while emphasizing their continued focus on securing approval for the settlement to bring stability and fairness to college sports. Judge Wilken has delayed the denial of final approval to allow the parties to modify the settlement agreement. She has instructed them to consult with their mediator to explore potential modifications that would prevent current athletes from losing their roster spots due to the immediate implementation of the new limits. 

The Challenge of the Transfer Portal

The college basketball landscape is currently experiencing unprecedented instability due to the transfer portal with over 40% of the men’s players transferring this offseason. This is really affecting mid-major programs because they can't compete in NIL. This environment creates anxiety for coaches and athletic directors as they navigate constant roster changes and increased financial pressures associated with recruiting.

Killings' Innovative Solution: Two-Way Contracts

Albany coach Dwayne Killings has proposed a creative approach to address this instability: a system resembling two-way contracts seen in professional basketball. His idea involves establishing a developmental pipeline between high-major and mid-major programs. This concept aims to provide a more structured and predictable path for player development and program stability.

The "Boomerang Transfer" Concept

Killings envisions high-major schools sending players who may not be immediately ready for their level to Albany for a year or two. During this time, these players would receive significant playing time and focused development. The expectation is that after gaining experience and improving their skills at the mid-major level, these players could then "boomerang" back to their original high-major programs, better prepared to contribute.

Benefits for Players and Programs

This system offers several potential benefits. Players receive guaranteed playing time and a chance to develop their game in a less pressure-filled environment. The financial aspect would involve the high-major's NIL collective potentially supporting the player while at the mid-major. This could be seen as an investment in the player's development and a way to retain future rights. 

Potential Impact and Future Implications

Killings believes this "boomerang transfer" model could offer a viable solution to the challenges posed by the transfer portal. It introduces a more strategic and collaborative approach to player development and roster management. While it may not be universally applicable, it presents an intriguing framework for navigating the evolving landscape of college basketball recruiting in the post-House settlement era.

Impact of NIL on NFL Draft Entrants

The implementation of NIL has significantly altered the landscape of the NFL Draft. Since 2021, there has been a notable decrease in the number of underclassmen declaring early for the draft. This is a direct consequence of players now having the opportunity to earn compensation while remaining in college, changing the calculus for those considering an early jump to the NFL.

Fewer Underclassmen, Higher Draft Positions

In the pre-NIL era (2021), a large number of underclassmen entered the draft, with many falling to the later rounds or going undrafted. However, post-NIL (2024), the number of underclassmen declaring dropped considerably, and their median draft position rose significantly. A much larger proportion of these early entrants were selected within the first three rounds, indicating that those who do leave early are generally higher-caliber prospects.

Notable Players Choosing College Over the NFL

Several high-profile players have opted to stay in college or return after initially declaring for the draft, largely due to lucrative NIL deals. Quarterback Cam Ward's return to college led to a Heisman Trophy finalist season and potential No. 1 overall pick status. Running back TreVeyon Henderson also chose to stay in school, improving his draft stock considerably. 

The Trend of Opting for College Development

Many talented but perhaps less polished underclassmen who might have previously entered the NFL Draft to take their chances are now staying in college. The combination of NIL earnings and the ability to transfer and find better opportunities for development has made remaining in college a more attractive option. 

Implications for Late-Round NFL Draft Picks

While late-round gems and undrafted free agent successes still occur, the impact of NIL appears to be reducing the pool of high-potential underclassmen available in the later rounds. Historically, a significant number of underclassmen selected on Day 3 of the draft went on to achieve Pro Bowl honors. However, in the NIL era, this trend has diminished, suggesting that more of that developmental talent is now staying in college longer.

Early-Entry Comparison