Below are the top NIL headlines from March 27th:

Derik Queen's Sweet NIL Deal

Derik Queen and Dairy Queen: A Perfect Match 

Maryland basketball center Derik Queen has capitalized on his unique name with a new NIL deal, partnering with the popular fast-food chain, Dairy Queen. The deal will feature Queen in promotional videos for Dairy Queen's Blizzard treats, specifically the Turtle Blizzard, which aligns with Maryland's mascot.

Queen's On-Court Success Drives NIL Value 

Queen's rising prominence in college basketball has significantly boosted his NIL value. His game-winning shot against Colorado State, sending Maryland to the Sweet 16, generated widespread attention. 

Behind the Deal: PlayFly and One Maryland NIL Collective 

The agreement between Derik Queen and Dairy Queen was facilitated by PlayFly and Maryland’s One Maryland NIL Collective. These entities play a crucial role in negotiating and managing NIL deals, ensuring athletes receive fair compensation and brands achieve their marketing objectives. While the specific financial details of the deal remain undisclosed, the partnership highlights the collaborative effort between athletes, agencies, and brands.

Viral Moments and Increased Marketability 

Queen’s viral moment, punctuated by his coach's post-game quote, amplified his public profile. His coach, Kevin Willard, highlighted Queen’s assertive request for the ball, which resonated with fans. This moment, combined with his consistent performance as Maryland’s leading scorer and rebounder, has increased his marketability.

Queen's Expanding NIL Portfolio 

In addition to his Dairy Queen deal, Derik Queen has recently signed agreements with major brands like TurboTax, Stanley, and DoorDash. These partnerships illustrate his growing appeal to diverse companies, solidifying his position as a valuable NIL asset. 

Nebraska's Legislative Stand: Addressing the House v. NCAA Settlement

Nebraska's Bill: Direct Payments and NIL Autonomy 

Nebraska has introduced LB 370, an amendment to its existing NIL law, in response to the impending House v. NCAA settlement. State Senator Megan Hunt's bill aims to allow Nebraska universities to directly compensate athletes, aligning with the settlement's proposed revenue-sharing model. This legislation seeks to grant institutions the ability to distribute up to $20.5 million annually to athletes, contingent on Judge Claudia Wilken's final approval of the settlement.

Protecting Athlete Privacy: Restricting NCAA Oversight 

A key component of LB 370 is its effort to limit the NCAA's oversight of NIL deals within Nebraska. The bill specifically prohibits any "collegiate athletic association" from requiring athletes or third parties to disclose information regarding their NIL contracts. This provision directly challenges the House settlement's proposal for a clearinghouse to vet NIL deals exceeding $600, emphasizing the state's desire to safeguard athlete privacy. 

State-Level Responses: Oregon's Similar Legislation 

Nebraska is not alone in its legislative efforts. Oregon has also introduced a similar bill, aiming to restrict the NCAA's ability to mandate the disclosure of NIL contract terms. Oregon's legislation further prohibits athletes from entering deals with brands associated with alcohol, tobacco, nicotine, and gambling. This demonstrates a growing trend of states proactively shaping their NIL laws in anticipation of the House v. NCAA settlement's implementation.

The House v. NCAA Settlement: Key Dates and Implications 

The House v. NCAA settlement, which received preliminary approval in October 2024, is scheduled for a final approval hearing on April 7. If approved, this settlement will usher in a new era of revenue sharing in college athletics, allowing institutions to directly compensate athletes. NCAA President Charlie Baker and other leaders are also advocating for federal intervention, with a "College Sports Day" scheduled on Capitol Hill for April 9. 

Sion James's NCAA Journey: On-Court Success and NIL Opportunities

Duke Platform: Enhanced NIL Potential 

Duke University's basketball program offers athletes significant visibility and marketability, attracting top talent like Sion James. James's recent partnership with Fifth Third Bank highlights how athletes can leverage their prominence for brand collaborations.

Fifth Third Bank Partnership: Storytelling and Authenticity 

Sion James has joined Fifth Third Bank's Team Fifth Third program, which features 26 student-athletes. This campaign focuses on sharing athletes' personal stories and journeys, emphasizing the "ups and downs" of college basketball. James's social media posts and the bank's video series highlight his experiences at Duke, connecting with fans on a deeper level.

Campaign Goals: Connecting with Passionate Fans 

Fifth Third Bank's marketing strategy aims to resonate with passionate college basketball fans by showcasing the athletes' authentic experiences. Carolyn David, head of marketing at Fifth Third, emphasizes the bank's enthusiasm for supporting student-athletes and amplifying their stories. James is the only ACC player participating in the program, emphasizing his unique appeal.

NCAA Tournament Experience: A Dream Realized 

As a fifth-year senior, James is savoring his final NCAA Tournament run. His journey from Tulane to Duke has been marked by perseverance and a long-held dream of playing in the tournament. The campaign with 5/3 bank is based on this very journey. His reflections on his experiences resonate with the authentic message of his NIL deal.

Reflecting on the Journey: Genuine Storytelling 

The core message of James's NIL campaign with Fifth Third Bank is authenticity. It emphasizes the genuine "ups and downs" of his college basketball career, aligning with the bank's focus on personal storytelling. This approach allows fans to connect with James on a deeper level, highlighting the human side of college athletics.