Livvy Dunne Launches Cotton Candy Drink in NIL deal

Below are the top NIL headlines from April 8th:

Livvy Dunne Launches Signature Drink Flavor

LSU gymnastics star Livvy Dunne has unveiled her own signature drink flavor through her ongoing partnership with Accelerator Active Energy. As she prepares for the NCAA gymnastics championships, Dunne continues to leverage her NIL opportunities, adding a personalized beverage to her growing portfolio.

"Livvy's Cotton Candy" Joins Accelerator Lineup

Accelerator Active Energy announced the launch of "Livvy's Cotton Candy" in collaboration with Dunne. This new flavor will feature a personalized can and will be available for purchase online through Amazon and at Rouses Markets locations in Louisiana. Dunne, who boasts an impressive $4.1 million On3 NIL valuation, initially signed her NIL deal with Accelerator in 2023, joining a roster of notable athletes such as Travis Kelce and Paula Badosa.

Sentimental Flavor and Collaborative Process

Dunne expressed her excitement about the new flavor, stating that cotton candy has always been her favorite treat and that Accelerator helped bring her vision to life. She shared that enjoying cotton candy is a cherished childhood memory with her sister. Dunne also highlighted that Accelerator is an essential part of her daily routine and that creating her own signature flavor is a dream come true. 

Broader Impact in the NIL Space

Livvy Dunne is recognized as the highest-earning female athlete in the NIL era, with partnerships spanning various well-known brands. Beyond her personal deals, the partnership with Accelerator has also extended to support her LSU teammates through the Livvy Fund, facilitating NIL opportunities for other athletes. Notably, Dunne has also been involved in discussions surrounding the House v. NCAA settlement, raising concerns about the clarity and communication regarding the damages portion of the agreement for athletes.

Lawsuit Moves Forward in College Football Recruiting

A legal battle involving college football recruiting is moving forward, with significant implications for the NIL era. Jaden Rashada, a former highly-rated quarterback, is suing University of Florida Head Coach Billy Napier, a former school staff member, and a prominent booster. A judge has decided that key parts of Rashada's lawsuit will proceed to the discovery phase, where evidence will be gathered for a potential trial.  

Dispute Over Multi-Million Dollar NIL Deal

The lawsuit centers around a lucrative NIL deal, reportedly worth $13.85 million, that played a major role in Rashada's decision to commit to Florida. However, Rashada claims that the university failed to honor this agreement, leaving him without the promised financial support and impacting his college career. While some of Rashada's initial claims were dismissed, the core allegations of fraudulent misrepresentation and conspiracy to commit fraud will continue to be examined by the court.  

Allegations of Booster Influence and Coach Involvement

The judge's ruling highlighted alleged statements made by the booster, Hugh Hathcock, suggesting he would provide whatever NIL compensation was necessary to secure Rashada's commitment. It was also noted that Hathcock reportedly indicated he was acting on the instructions of Coach Napier and the former staff member. This suggests a potential connection between the coach, the booster, and the promises made to the recruit.

Potential Impact on the NIL Landscape

This case is unprecedented in the context of NIL and could have significant ramifications for how college athletic programs and boosters interact with potential recruits. After his initial commitment fell through, Rashada transferred to Arizona State and later to Georgia. He is currently in the transfer portal again, still seeking a new team. The legal proceedings will likely continue to draw attention as they explore the complexities and potential pitfalls of NIL agreements in college sports.

Coach Drinkwitz Seeks Clarity Amidst NCAA Settlement Uncertainty

University of Missouri football coach Eli Drinkwitz has voiced his frustration and desire for clarity regarding the ongoing House v. NCAA settlement. As spring practices continue, coaches across the nation are closely monitoring the final approval process of this settlement, which could fundamentally reshape college athletics. The final approval hearing recently took place, and the judge has asked both sides to reconvene to further discuss specific aspects of the agreement.

Revenue Sharing and Roster Limit Concerns

The proposed settlement is expected to usher in an era of revenue sharing with college athletes while also implementing roster limitations in sports like football. The potential roster limits were a significant point of discussion during the recent hearing, with the judge suggesting the possibility of "grandfathering" current athletes to protect their roster spots. Coach Drinkwitz, echoing sentiments shared by SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey, expressed his confusion and the mental strain of trying to understand the implications of these potential changes, particularly concerning revenue distribution, roster caps, and the future of NIL.

Frustration Over Constant Rule Changes

Drinkwitz also emphasized the need for stability within college sports from a legal perspective. He highlighted the numerous lawsuits targeting NCAA regulations that have led to significant and frequent changes in the landscape. As the settlement approval process continues, Drinkwitz expressed his hope that college athletics can maintain its core values and also voiced his support for non-revenue generating sports that would also be affected by the settlement.

Plea for Stable Governance in College Sports

Drinkwitz passionately called for a more stable governing structure in college sports to avoid the constant disruption caused by ongoing litigation. He emphasized the immense value of college athletics, including Olympic sports, as an integral part of American culture. He pleaded with those in charge – acknowledging the lack of clear leadership – to establish a framework that prevents daily lawsuits from drastically altering operations, ensuring the continuation of opportunities for student-athletes and the enjoyment for fans nationwide, referencing the excitement of events like the Final Four and women's gymnastics championships.