Episodes

  • NIL, Law, and College Sports | Philip Sheng of Venable LLP

    NIL, Law, and College Sports | Philip Sheng of Venable LLP
    Aug 10 2026

    NIL is giving college athletes new opportunity, but the legal side is getting harder to ignore.

    In this conversation, Philip Sheng, partner at Venable LLP, breaks down NIL through the lens of intellectual property, right of publicity, athlete contracts, college eligibility, and the changing business of college sports.


    Eric Kasimov and Philip discuss the College Sports Commission, fake NIL vs. real NIL, the Nebraska/PlayFly case, transfer portal culture, non-revenue sports pressure, high school NIL, sports betting, and why athletes should be careful about making life decisions based only on money.

    Key Takeaways

    • NIL is both an athlete compensation issue and an intellectual property issue
    • Right of publicity is the legal foundation behind many NIL questions
    • College athletes need better education around contracts, taxes, agents, and rights
    • Not every NIL deal is worth making a life decision around
    • The College Sports Commission is trying to separate real NIL from pay-for-play
    • The Nebraska/PlayFly situation shows how important contract details and deliverables are
    • Non-revenue sports like tennis and swimming face real pressure after the House settlement
    • International recruiting and age-based eligibility rules are affecting college rosters
    • High school NIL creates opportunity, but also adds risk for younger athletes
    • Sports betting is becoming one of the biggest trust and wellness issues in college sports
    • College still has value beyond athletics, money, and short-term opportunity

    Episode Chapters

    00:00 – Philip Sheng’s background in law, NIL, and college sports
    03:04 – Conference realignment and the travel burden on athletes
    05:19 – How college sports changed from opportunity to money
    08:23 – NIL education, taxes, agents, and bad advice
    12:25 – Whether NIL has gone too far
    14:21 – Fan loyalty, roster turnover, and the value of staying
    18:00 – The College Sports Commission and NIL enforcement
    21:00 – Nebraska, PlayFly, and what NIL deals need to include
    25:00 – Lawyers, arbitration, and whether the CSC can work
    28:11 – Big Ten, SEC, playoff expansion, and media money
    30:29 – Media rights, rivalry games, and breaking away
    34:39 – Philip’s NIL contract work with athletes, schools, and brands
    36:08 – Why brands should look beyond star athletes
    38:20 – What families need to know before signing NIL contracts
    40:38 – IP rights, long-term control, and the Taylor Swift example
    42:02 – Non-revenue sports cuts after the House settlement
    44:29 – International athletes, eligibility rules, and roster pressure
    48:00 – High school NIL and protecting younger athletes
    50:29 – Sports betting, college students, and athlete data concerns
    54:34 – College education, cost, and long-term decision-making
    59:28 – Where to find Philip Sheng

    Connect & Follow

    • Follow The NIL Podcast by SportsEpreneur for more conversations on athlete business, NIL strategy, and the evolving college sports landscape.
    • Philip Sheng: X | LinkedIn | Venable LLP
    • Eric Kasimov: LinkedIn | X
    • SportsEpreneur: LinkedIn | X
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    1 hr
  • College Soccer, Youth Development, and the Player-Led Pathway with Brando Babini

    College Soccer, Youth Development, and the Player-Led Pathway with Brando Babini
    Jun 29 2026

    NIL, soccer development, and the next generation of player-led pathways.


    In this conversation, Brando Babini, founder of Youth for Youth Football Club, breaks down how youth soccer, college recruiting, content, mentorship, and American soccer development are changing.


    Eric Kasimov and Brando discuss the pressure young players face, the rise of the transfer portal, international recruiting, pay-to-play barriers, MLS and USL growth, and why the future of soccer in the United States may depend on building better pathways for domestic players.


    Key Takeaways

    • Youth soccer needs more player-led mentorship
    • College soccer recruiting is being reshaped by the transfer portal
    • Domestic players face new pressure from older and international recruits
    • Pay-to-play still creates major barriers in American soccer
    • Showcases should create real opportunity, not just more cost
    • Players need agency before they reach college or the pros
    • Parents can support the journey without controlling it
    • Good teammates and leaders are developed through daily exposure
    • Content can help players and programs get discovered
    • Street soccer and small-sided games can bring more freedom back into the sport

    Chapters


    00:00 – Introduction to Youth for Youth Football Club
    00:29 – Brando’s schedule between Brown and New York
    01:00 – Starting Youth for Youth at 16
    02:15 – Brando’s recruiting journey and Brown University
    03:00 – When the soccer dream starts to shift
    04:00 – Injuries, coaching challenges, and the need for mentorship
    04:50 – Building what he wished existed as a youth player
    05:12 – Nike street soccer and alternative pathways
    05:40 – College soccer recruiting and the transfer portal
    06:00 – How recruiting has changed in college soccer
    07:00 – International players and roster pressure
    08:20 – Goalkeepers, college rosters, and difficult pathways
    10:13 – Why domestic player development has to improve
    11:45 – MLS, USL, and the future of American soccer
    12:30 – Promotion, relegation, and soccer culture
    14:25 – Charlotte FC, accessibility, and growing the game
    16:27 – Where MLS stands globally
    19:00 – World Cup impact and youth soccer infrastructure
    20:00 – Breaking down pay-to-play barriers
    24:00 – Why profit incentives are not always bad
    25:00 – Building a better development model
    27:00 – Making Youth for Youth more need-blind
    28:00 – Playing time, competition, and development
    31:00 – Parent pressure and athlete responsibility
    32:57 – Why players need to speak for themselves
    34:08 – Expanding Youth for Youth by region
    36:00 – Brown University, professors, and entrepreneurship
    38:12 – What college can offer beyond classes
    40:26 – Helping young athletes become better teammates
    41:16 – Leadership, captains, and mentorship
    43:00 – Controlling what you can control
    44:11 – Coaching intensity and parent reactions
    47:43 – Content, discovery, and player applications
    48:57 – Nike Toma and the value of street soccer
    51:00 – Messi, Ronaldo, and the GOAT conversation
    51:21 – Premier League complaints and global soccer
    52:48 – Best players in the world today
    54:42 – World Cup predictions
    57:00 – Where to find Youth for Youth


    Connect & Follow

    The NIL Podcast by SportsEpreneur
    Hosted by Eric Kasimov: https://x.com/Eric_Kaz

    Featuring Brando Babini / Youth for Youth Football Club:
    Youth for Youth Football Club: https://y4yfc.com/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/y4yfc/

    SportsEpreneur: https://sportsepreneur.com
    X: https://x.com/sportsepreneur
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sportsepreneur
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    58 mins
  • Athlete Value and ROI with Brent Wall of Student Athlete Score

    Athlete Value and ROI with Brent Wall of Student Athlete Score
    Jun 3 2026

    NIL is no longer just about deals. It is becoming a marketing, data, and infrastructure problem.


    In this conversation, Brent Wall, co-founder and CEO of Student Athlete Score, breaks down how schools, athletes, and brands are using data to understand athlete value, social reach, campaign performance, and NIL ROI.


    Eric Kasimov and Brent discuss how NIL is moving from chaos and headline chasing toward measurable marketing systems, why local and regional brand deals matter, and how athletes can build platforms that last beyond sports.


    Key Takeaways

    • NIL is moving from chaos toward measurable ROI
    • Student Athlete Score helps schools, athletes, and brands understand athlete value
    • Follower counts alone do not tell the full story
    • Local and regional brand deals may be a major NIL opportunity
    • Schools are building new commercial roles around NIL and athlete marketing
    • Donor fatigue is forcing more focus on real brand value
    • AI and data can help match athletes with better-fit opportunities
    • Olympic and non-revenue athletes may be overlooked NIL opportunities
    • Youth athletes are being pushed to think about personal brand earlier
    • Athlete branding can create skills that last beyond sports

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction
    01:50 The professionalization of sports at every level
    03:00 Why young athletes now have to think about personal brand
    04:39 Social media cleanup, exposure, and pressure on kids
    06:32 What Student Athlete Score does
    07:56 Measuring athlete value on social media
    08:35 How universities use the platform
    10:05 AI, discovery, and local brand deals
    11:39 NIL education, taxes, and athlete responsibility
    13:36 The old Wild West of NIL and the new one
    15:59 Compliance, NIL Go, and regulation
    16:22 Eligibility, the five-and-five rule, and college sports consistency
    19:35 Tournament expansion, TV money, sports betting, and more games
    23:00 Olympic sports and non-revenue programs
    26:17 Donor fatigue and the need for NIL ROI
    29:41 Why money does not guarantee winning
    31:19 The transfer portal and mid-major programs
    36:00 International athletes, age gaps, and roster pressure
    38:49 Olympic athletes, NIL, and personal brand gaps
    40:28 Bots, fake followers, and better data
    42:31 Why athlete interests matter to brands
    43:31 Building a platform for life after sports
    44:11 Youth sports, high school athletes, and brand education
    46:21 NIL as sales and marketing education
    47:21 Team dinners, micro-influencers, and local business value
    50:40 How Student Athlete Score grew with universities
    51:26 New commercial roles inside athletic departments
    52:57 Where to find Brent Wall and Student Athlete Score

    Connect & Follow

    The NIL Podcast by SportsEpreneur
    Hosted by Eric Kasimov: https://x.com/Eric_Kaz

    Brent Wall: LinkedIn
    Instagram: @studentathletescore

    SportsEpreneur

    https://sportsepreneur.com

    https://x.com/sportsepreneur

    https://www.linkedin.com/company/sportsepreneur
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    54 mins
  • NIL, Youth Sports, and the Pressure Pipeline | Dave Yoo of Onsides

    NIL, Youth Sports, and the Pressure Pipeline | Dave Yoo of Onsides
    May 28 2026

    NIL may officially begin in college, but the pressure now starts much earlier.

    In this conversation, Dave Yoo, founder of Onsides, breaks down how youth sports has quietly become a massive industry shaped by travel, private training, recruiting, branding, and rising expectations for both athletes and parents.

    Eric Kasimov and Dave discuss the growing cognitive load families carry, how NIL is pushing pressure downstream into younger ages, and why the future of youth sports may depend on reducing chaos instead of adding more to it.

    Key Takeaways

    • NIL pressure is moving downstream into younger athletes
    • Youth sports has quietly become a $50B+ ecosystem
    • Parents are carrying a massive emotional and logistical load
    • The gap between recreational sports and elite club sports keeps growing
    • AI can reduce stress when it solves real-world problems
    • Travel, recruiting, and training culture are reshaping family life
    • Athlete branding now starts earlier than ever
    • Youth sports still works best when kids simply get to play

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction
    01:30 The size and growth of the youth sports market
    04:00 Why Dave Yoo started building Onsides
    06:00 The chaos parents manage across sports platforms
    08:00 Cognitive load and the hidden pressure on families
    11:00 Private coaching, training, and monetization
    13:00 How Onsides uses AI carefully
    16:00 AI disruption and startup building
    19:00 Advice for students and young founders
    22:00 Youth sports commercialization and rising expectations
    27:00 Recreational sports vs. high-pressure club culture
    31:00 Parent behavior, overuse injuries, and sideline culture
    35:00 NIL, recruiting, and pressure on younger athletes
    41:00 Media, AI, and signal amplification
    46:00 Phones, social media, and youth athletes
    50:00 The future of youth sports

    Connect & Follow

    The NIL Podcast by SportsEpreneur
    Hosted by Eric Kasimov: https://x.com/Eric_Kaz

    Onsides: https://getonsides.com/
    Dave Yoo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveyoo/

    SportsEpreneur: https://sportsepreneur.com
    X: https://x.com/sportsepreneur
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sportsepreneur
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    50 mins
  • NIL Was the Wake-Up Call — Now What?

    NIL Was the Wake-Up Call — Now What?
    Apr 17 2026

    When NIL exposed the value of athletes, it didn’t build the system around them.


    In this conversation, Stephen Bienko (42U) breaks down what’s missing — from athlete development and identity to leadership gaps in college athletics — and what needs to change next.


    This episode focuses on what actually matters now: decision-making, brand equity, and building something that lasts beyond the moment.


    Key Takeaways

    • NIL exposed athlete value, but not athlete development
    • Brand equity matters more than chasing short-term deals
    • Most athletes aren’t prepared for the decisions they now face
    • College programs still lag in leadership and infrastructure
    • Soft skills are becoming more valuable, not less

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction

    01:30 Stephen’s path: Air Force Academy to Villanova

    04:00 Early challenges and defining moments

    08:00 What NIL revealed (and what it missed)

    10:00 Inside the 42U approach

    15:00 Athlete identity and long-term thinking

    19:00 Leadership gaps in college athletics

    22:00 Athletes as economic drivers

    26:00 Why soft skills still matter

    30:00 Recruiting, evaluation, and decision-making

    36:00 “College sports is not a business”

    48:00 Brand equity vs. chasing deals

    57:00 Financial literacy and athlete education

    1:00:00 Parenting, recruiting, and guidance

    1:08:00 Facilities, environment, and development


    Connect & Follow

    The NIL Podcast by SportsEpreneur
    Hosted by Eric Kasimov: https://x.com/Eric_Kaz
    Featuring Stephen Bienko: https://x.com/StephenBienko

    https://sportsepreneur.com

    https://x.com/sportsepreneur

    https://www.linkedin.com/company/sportsepreneur
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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • NIL Dealings in College and Now High School | Anthony Pitre

    NIL Dealings in College and Now High School | Anthony Pitre
    Sep 5 2024
    In this conversation, Rob Finkelstein and Trent Clark interview Anthony Pitre, an NIL specialist for college sports. They discuss Pitre's experience working with athletes at the University of Florida and now at the University of Texas at Austin and his involvement in the emerging field of NIL. They also touch on topics such as the marketability of athletes in different sports, the return of the EA Sports College Football video game, and the expansion of NIL to high school athletes in Florida. Other topics explored include the importance of transparency and communication between athletes and coaches, the role of compliance in educating athletes about NIL, the need for athletes to understand tax implications and the benefits of setting up an LLC, the value of giving back to the community through NIL partnerships, and the importance of authenticity and engagement on social media. They also discuss the process of choosing a trusted advisor for NIL opportunities and the growth of NIL in high school sports."NIL Deals in College and High School" highlightsThe University of Florida is a hotbed of NIL activity, particularly in sports like football, gymnastics, and track and field.Athletes leverage their name, image, and likeness to secure marketing campaigns and collective deals involving their entire team.The return of the EA Sports College Football video game allows athletes to see themselves in the game and increase their exposure.Expanding NIL to high school athletes in Florida opens up new opportunities for them to monetize their NIL, but caution is advised to ensure eligibility for college sports.Compliance with university regulations and communication with coaches are essential factors to consider when pursuing NIL deals.Compliance departments play a vital role in educating athletes about NIL and ensuring compliance with regulations.Athletes need to understand the tax implications of NIL and consider setting up an LLC to manage their earnings.Giving back to the community through NIL partnerships can be a meaningful way for athletes to make a difference.Authenticity and engagement on social media are important for athletes to build their personal brand.NIL4U is part of the podcast network, SportsE MediaSportsE Media is a sports media platform and production company that connects entrepreneurs, executives, athletes, and fans. It focuses on sports, entrepreneurship, mental health, and media.Learn more: https://sportsepreneur.com/NIL4U is also a part of QuietLoud StudiosQuietLoud Studios is the podcast network where reflection and voice come together.Learn more: https://quietloudstudios.com/NIL4U is produced by the team at KazCMKazCM is a B2B content production company that builds assets and drives revenue by writing and talking. If you are looking to create a podcast, show, or written works, talk with the team at KazCM.Learn more: https://kazcm.com/ConnectListen to the NIL4U Podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SportsEAnthony Pitre: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-pitre-362141181/Rob Finkelstein: LinkedinTrent Clark: LinkedinSportsE Media: YouTube | TikTok | X | IGRelated content to "NIL Deals in College and High School | Anthony Pitre":NIL Pros and Cons | The College Game Is Changed Forever5 Misconceptions About NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) | A Positive ViewTimestamps:00:00 Introduction and Overview01:28 The University of Florida: A Hotbed of NIL Activity03:00 Collective Deals and Team Marketing Campaigns07:00 The Return of the EA Sports College Football Video Game12:02 Expanding NIL to High School Athletes in Florida19:30 Navigating Compliance and Coach Approval in NIL Deals21:53 Transparency and Communication in NIL23:23 The Role of Compliance in NIL Education25:30 Understanding Tax Implications and Setting Up an LLC27:48 Giving Back to the Community through NIL30:29 Authenticity and Engagement on Social Media39:07 Choosing a Trusted Advisor for NIL43:03 NIL Opportunities in High School Sports
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    45 mins
  • Success in the NIL Space Is Not Limited to the Top 1% | Sam Green

    Success in the NIL Space Is Not Limited to the Top 1% | Sam Green
    Sep 3 2024
    In this episode, we feature Sam Green, an educator in the NIL space who helps athletes build their personal brands and navigate the world of social media to monetize their platforms. She emphasizes the importance of efficiency and time management for busy athletes. Sam advises athletes to start with a clear goal and work backward to create a social media strategy that aligns with their post-athletic career aspirations. She also encourages athletes to batch their content creation and find platforms that facilitate NIL deals. Sam believes that athletes not in the top 1% can still succeed in the NIL space with hard work and a long-term approach. She also highlights the importance of giving back to the community and using their platform for a greater purpose. The conversation explores the impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) on college athletes and the opportunities it provides for their personal and professional development. It highlights how NIL allows athletes to gain real-life skills, such as pitching themselves, negotiating, and creating content. The discussion emphasizes the value of athletes' experiences and mental fortitude, making them desirable hires in the job market. The conversation also touches on the challenges of scalability and sustainability in the NIL space and the importance of building teams and networks. Lastly, she mentions the AthleteCon convention and the significance of platforms like LinkedIn and X for athletes.Takeaways from NIL Content Creator Sam Green:Athletes should start by identifying their long-term goals beyond sports, then work backward to create content and build a brand aligned with them.Even athletes in non-revenue sports like track and field can make significant money through NIL if they work to create content and build a following.Batching content creation on off days and incorporating quick, easy-to-produce content helps athletes manage their time effectively.While football and men's basketball currently dominate NIL deals, female athletes are seeing increased opportunities and engagement.Through NIL, athletes are gaining valuable real-world business, marketing, and entrepreneurship experience that will benefit them after their athletic careers.Sam recommends athletes use platforms like LinkedIn and X to network with brands and decision-makers, not just Instagram and TikTok.Universities are starting to hire experts to facilitate brand deals and educate their athletes on NIL opportunities.Sam emphasizes the long-term value of building a brand that can transition beyond an athlete's playing career.She advises athletes to be wary of people who only want to profit from them and to seek out experts who have other revenue streams besides working with college athletes. NIL4U is part of the podcast network, SportsE MediaSportsE Media is a sports media platform and production company that connects entrepreneurs, executives, athletes, and fans. It focuses on sports, entrepreneurship, mental health, and media.Learn more: https://sportsepreneur.com/NIL4U is also a part of QuietLoud StudiosQuietLoud Studios is the podcast network where reflection and voice come together.Learn more: https://quietloudstudios.com/NIL4U is produced by the team at KazCMKazCM is a B2B content production company that builds assets and drives revenue by writing and talking. If you are looking to create a podcast, show, or written works, talk with the team at KazCM.Learn more: https://kazcm.com/ConnectListen to the NIL4U Podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SportsESam Green: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sambgreen/Rob Finkelstein: LinkedinTrent Clark: LinkedinSportsE Media: YouTube | TikTok | X | IGRelated content to "Success in the NIL Space Is Not Limited to the Top 1% | Sam Green":NIL Pros and Cons | The College Game Is Changed Forever5 Misconceptions About NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) | A Positive ViewTimestamps:00:00 Introduction to Sam Green and the NIL Space02:22 Sam Green's Background and Transition to Educating Athletes in NIL04:20 The Challenges of NIL for Athletes and the Importance of Self-Care05:34 Efficiency and Time Management for Athletes in the NIL World09:13 Navigating the NIL Landscape and the Importance of Having a Plan10:44 Building Confidence and Empowering Athletes in the NIL Space13:18 Batching Content Creation and Maximizing Efficiency15:39 The Importance of Batching Time and Finding NIL Platforms20:07 Success in the NIL Space: Not Limited to the Top 1%24:32 Using the NIL Platform for Giving Back and Making a Difference26:35 NIL and its Impact on Personal and Professional Development28:21 The Value of Athletes' Experiences and Mental Fortitude30:59 Scalability and Sustainability in the NIL Space34:00 Building Teams and Networks for Success in NIL41:34 The Significance of Platforms like LinkedIn and X
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    44 mins
  • The King of D3 NIL | Jack Betts

    The King of D3 NIL | Jack Betts
    Aug 23 2024

    From Division III to NIL Success with Jack Betts


    In this episode of NIL4U, we sit down with Jack Betts, a former Division III football player from Amherst College who has made waves in the world of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). Here are the key highlights:

    1. Jack's NIL Journey: Learn how Jack went from a Division III athlete with limited exposure to securing over 40 NIL deals, breaking barriers for small-school athletes.
    2. The Make Your Own Legacy Academy: Discover Jack's innovative NIL education solution, which helps underserved athletes realize their potential in the NIL space.
    3. Notable Partnerships: Jack shares insights on his collaborations with brands like Insomnia Cookies, Invesco QQQ, and Sprayground, offering a glimpse into the diverse world of NIL deals.
    4. Authenticity in Personal Branding: The importance of maintaining a genuine online presence and the responsibilities of an expanded platform.
    5. NIL's Impact on Career Development: How Jack's experiences in NIL have shaped his professional trajectory and opened up new opportunities.
    6. The Future of High School NIL: A discussion on the potential implications of NIL in Texas high school sports and the challenges it may bring.
    7. Advice for Athletes: Jack offers valuable tips for fellow athletes navigating the NIL landscape, emphasizing proactivity and self-advocacy.

    NIL4U is part of the podcast network, SportsE Media
    SportsE Media is a sports media platform and production company that connects entrepreneurs, executives, athletes, and fans. It focuses on sports, entrepreneurship, mental health, and media.
    Learn more: https://sportsepreneur.com/

    NIL4U is also a part of QuietLoud Studios
    QuietLoud Studios is the podcast network where reflection and voice come together.
    Learn more: https://quietloudstudios.com/

    NIL4U is produced by the team at KazCM
    KazCM is a B2B content production company that builds assets and drives revenue by writing and talking. If you are looking to create a podcast, show, or written works, talk with the team at KazCM.
    Learn more: https://kazcm.com/

    Connect
    Listen to the NIL4U Podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SportsE
    Jack Betts: Instagram

    Rob Finkelstein: Linkedin
    Trent Clark: Linkedin
    SportsE Media: YouTube | TikTok | X | IG
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    58 mins