Arch Manning extends exclusive autographed memorabilia NIL deal with Panini

Arch Manning's Renewed Partnership with Panini America

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning has extended his NIL partnership with Panini America through a new multi-year deal. This builds upon their initial agreement from July 2023. The announcement comes as Manning prepares to take on the starting quarterback role for the Longhorns.

Autographed Memorabilia to be Offered

As part of this expanded partnership, Panini America will now offer autographed memorabilia featuring Arch Manning, including photos, jerseys, and helmets. These items will be available for purchase by Longhorn fans on Panini America's website. The company's Senior Vice President of Marketing and Athlete Relations expressed excitement about offering Manning's memorabilia ahead of his first season as the starting quarterback.

Significance of the Partnership

Panini America was the first NIL deal Manning signed in his college career, highlighted by an exclusive autographed card that sold for $102,500. Manning stated that this new memorabilia collection allows him to connect more deeply with fans and expressed his enthusiasm to be part of Panini's long history of working with athletes.

Broader Connection with the University of Texas

The partnership with Manning further strengthens the connection between Panini America and the University of Texas. The Longhorns were the first school to partner with Panini, offering NIL opportunities for their athletes to have their own trading cards. Panini is also the official trading card partner of the Texas One Fund. Manning is set to make his third career start on August 30th against Ohio State.

Formation of College Sports Commission LLC

The Power 5 conferences have established a new legal entity named College Sports Commission LLC to oversee the enforcement of updated athlete compensation rules in Division I, following the anticipated approval of the House v. NCAA settlement. Registered in Delaware, this LLC is expected to be the central body in the revamped regulatory framework for college athletics. Sources confirm this entity will serve as the enforcement arm within the new governance structure brought about by the settlement.

Purpose and Structure of the Commission

The College Sports Commission is modeled after commissioner-led professional leagues and is expected to announce the hiring of a chief executive and a lead investigator soon. This entity will be responsible for determining the legitimacy of athlete NIL deals exceeding $600 under the new pay provisions established by the House settlement. The commission will act as the arbiter in ensuring these deals comply with the updated regulations.

Supporting Infrastructure and Data Management

The Power 5 conferences have engaged Deloitte to manage a clearinghouse of NIL deals. Additionally, LBi Software has been contracted to create a cap-management and reporting platform to track the direct payments schools will make to their athletes. The College Sports Commission will utilize the data collected by Deloitte to assess whether an athlete's NIL deal falls within a reasonable compensation range and is not an inducement for attending a specific university.

NCAA's Role in Implementation

Earlier in the year, the NCAA formed a settlement implementation committee, which included a working group tasked with establishing this new enforcement entity. The creation of the College Sports Commission represents a significant step towards implementing the changes resulting from the House v. NCAA settlement and establishing a new regulatory landscape for athlete compensation in college sports.

Newton's Criticism of Iamaleava's Situation

Cam Newton criticized Nico Iamaleava's transfer from Tennessee due to NIL negotiations, stating that "bad advice kills." Newton believes Iamaleava's representatives gave him poor guidance by pushing for more money, leading to his absence from the end of spring practice. Newton emphasized that this situation isn't solely about money but rather a prime example of how bad advice can negatively impact a young player's career.  

Lasting Career Implications

Newton argued that this situation will leave a permanent "stain" on Iamaleava's career, similar to how certain events are associated with prominent athletes. He believes that regardless of Iamaleava's future success, this decision will be a negative point of reference. Newton expressed sadness because Iamaleava is still young and likely influenced by others, be it family or agents.

The Nature of NIL and Iamaleava's Options

Newton clarified that NIL is intended to make the college experience comfortable, not to provide lasting wealth for 19-year-olds. He pointed out that Iamaleava had interest from North Carolina and Tulane, but both withdrew. Currently, UCLA is reportedly interested but waiting for his financial demands to decrease. Newton finds it hard to believe that a player of Iamaleava's talent won't find a new team for the 2025 season.  

Influence and Misguided Comparisons

Newton acknowledged Iamaleava as a good kid with a great family, recalling his positive impression from a past QB challenge. He understands that young athletes receive numerous perspectives, potentially leading to misguided comparisons with other players' lucrative NIL deals, such as Carson Beck's reported earnings. Newton reiterated his central point: that the advice Iamaleava received to sit out in pursuit of more money was detrimental.