NIL Will Create Chaos Within the Transfer Portal

On December 5, 2022, the NCAA transfer portal will open, which is a way for athletes to leave their institution and find opportunities at another. This year, it is clear that NIL will impact the way that athletes approach transferring programs. With monetary value in the equation, an athlete being in the transfer portal provides a way for programs to seek out and try and sway with the promise of financial gain.

According to On3 NIL, “Some players will enter the Transfer Portal because they truly want a change of scenery and the opportunity to play elsewhere. But for some of the top talent in the country, the portal has become the NCAA’s equivalent to free agency. There will be bidding wars and negotiation periods.”

Some may ask, “isn’t this illegal?” While this clearly can fall under the concept of pay-for-play, as illustrated with recruiting in general, student-athletes are being swayed by wealthy donors, the promise of NIL deals, and more. In addition, ON3 reports that NIL collectives have been prepping their “war chests” for months. Not coincidentally, on November 27, at the introductory press conference of new Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham, a booster publicly pledged 1 million dollars toward NIL opportunities, which can look very appealing for student-athlete.

Unafraid Show even attributes Washington Football’s recent success to NIL and the transfer portal, stating, “Look at Washington. They went from 73rd in the country in passing offense in 2021 to being the best in the country in one year thanks in part to the transfer portal.”

What does this mean? NIL in general can change the trajectory of a program in a season. With the transfer portal opening up, many players will have the ability to experience and indulge in new NIL opportunities. Players who may be on the fence when deciding whether or not to stay in their program may be more inclined to transfer due to the promise of opportunities elsewhere.

This also means that some athletes may demand different things in return for a commitment. For example, according to John Canzano, when transfer quarterback JT Daniels visited Oregon State last spring, Beavers donors were made aware about what Daniels sought from a NIL collective. In a conversation led by his father, Daniels sought a personal chef, a four-bedroom rental house, and a six-figure endorsement deal. While he did not end up at Oregon State, it is clear that some athletes are willing to transfer if they feel they can have desires met.

Many athletes may also enter the portal as an intimidation tactic. According to an SEC staffer, “You’ll see guys going into the Transfer Portal, and then jumping right back out to hold schools accountable to pay them or pay them more.”

Overall, it is evident that the transfer portal will be significantly different this year compared to past years. With NIL, it is likely that there will be complete chaos in those 45 days the portal remains open. On January 18, 2023, we will know for sure the true impact.

To learn more about how NIL will impact the Transfer Portal, check out the CleanKonnect NIL Certification Course.