Below are the top NIL headlines from Wednesday, March 5th:

Should Cooper Flagg Return To Duke For Another Season?

Even in the era of NIL, it would be financially unwise for Cooper Flagg to return to Duke for his sophomore year. Flagg is expected to be the No. 1 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, where he could sign a rookie contract worth up to $13.8 million in his first year. As his career progresses, his earnings could skyrocket, with his second-year salary reaching $14.5 million and his fourth-year pay potentially soaring to $19.2 million. ucrative future by staying another year in college could cost him tens of millions in long-term earnings.

While Flagg would undoubtedly benefit from NIL opportunities at Duke, possibly being able to earn over $10 million if he returned, the financial difference still makes the NBA a far more appealing option. Those in the NIL industry, like Austin Walton and Chris Brown, acknowledge Flagg’s ability to command high NIL deals, but they still argue that the risk of injury even with an insurance plan make returning to college a poor decision. The real financial rewards for Flagg lie in the long-term NBA contracts, particularly after his rookie deal, where he could lose out on millions if he delays entering the league.

The idea of Flagg staying in college for another year is almost unprecedented for a player of his caliber, who has already proven himself against top-tier competition. Flagg has expressed some desire to return, but this is far from a solid commitment. Returning to Duke would be a monumental decision, reminiscent of past greats like Harrison Barnes and Al Horford, but the financial implications for Flagg make it clear that pursuing his NBA career as soon as possible is the best path forward.

James Madison NIL Powerhouse For Group Of 5?

James Madison University (JMU) is positioning itself to be a leader in revenue sharing within the Sun Belt Conference, with the goal of offering significant NIL compensation to its student-athletes. If the settlement of the House vs. NCAA federal court case is approved, JMU plans to adopt a model that could result in one of the highest athlete payrolls in the Group of Five. Athletic director Matt Roan emphasized that revenue sharing would enhance student-athletes’ scholarships, and the school aims to reward players for participating in revenue-generating activities, like supporting the institution or department. Although specific figures haven’t been disclosed, JMU’s focus on generating substantial self-revenues, excluding student fees, will drive the implementation of NIL payments.

The university’s athletic budget of $76 million, largely funded by student fees, does not directly contribute to NIL payments, which will come from the department’s own generated revenues. Last year, JMU earned approximately $10 million from ticket sales and donations and $8 million from conference distributions. Roan has expressed the desire to use these earnings to make JMU one of the most competitive programs in the Group of Five, aiming to rival successful schools like Boise State, Tulane, and Memphis. The introduction of player salaries would significantly alter the approach to recruiting and retaining athletes, requiring careful planning in areas such as recruiting, player personnel, and the integration of new roles, including a general manager position.

Roan envisions an innovative approach to NIL revenue distribution that would include all sports, not just football and basketball. For sports like baseball, softball, and soccer, where admission is free, athletes may be asked to contribute to fundraising initiatives or participate in activities that promote the university’s broader goals, such as donation drives or ticket sales. JMU’s focus on national success across all sports and its ambition to benchmark against peers in other conferences demonstrates its commitment to making the most of the evolving NIL landscape. The program is set to innovate and compete with the best, positioning JMU as a top-tier program in both athletics and NIL compensation.

University of Washington's Innovative Approach to NIL

The University of Washington is making waves in the world of NIL with the launch of a groundbreaking Student-Athlete Ticket Ambassador Program. This new initiative, in partnership with Paciolan and Learfield’s Compass NIL platform, allows four Husky student-athletes—Jonah Coleman, Elle Ladine, Vazoumana Diallo, and Kierstyn Barton—to promote discounted tickets for upcoming games. By using their social media platforms, these athletes will offer Dawgs Discounts to fans while also earning a portion of the ticket sales through NIL payments.

The collaboration between Washington Athletics, Paciolan, and Compass NIL marks a significant step forward in utilizing NIL opportunities for student-athletes. According to Deana Barnes, President of Paciolan, this program demonstrates Washington's commitment to pushing the boundaries of NIL innovation. Learfield’s Compass platform will track the performance of the program and manage the distribution of NIL earnings, creating a seamless and efficient system for all parties involved.

This pilot program, facilitated by Dawgs Unleashed and the Washington Intercollegiate Athletics Ticketing Department, serves as a powerful example of how student-athletes can benefit from partnerships with local and national businesses. With this new approach, the University of Washington is not only enhancing the fan experience, providing meaningful financial opportunities for its athletes, and potentially driving incrementally more athletic department revenue. As the program evolves, it sets a strong precedent for future NIL-driven initiatives at other universities.