Syracuse Sun

The recent 2025 Syracuse Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) Summit marked a significant step for student-athletes at Syracuse University. Held for the first time, this event was organized by the students and catered to student-athletes, combining networking with educational opportunities focused on NIL strategies.

The NIL Summit took place on March 28, organized by the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics in collaboration with the student-run Syracuse Sport Group and Syracuse University Athletics. The event provided a platform for student-athletes to connect with corporate brands, aligning with the changing NCAA rules on NIL since 2021, which now allow athletes to monetize their personal brands through endorsements and sponsorships.

Syracuse Director of Athletics John Wildhack addressed attendees, emphasizing the importance of providing student-athletes with meaningful opportunities in the realm of NIL. "Building the relationship between Falk College and athletics is one of the ways that’s going to benefit our student-athletes," he stated.

The summit featured presentations and workshops, including one led by Rachel Maeng Brown, founder and CEO of GEN Agency and GEN NIL. Brown, recognized as the 2024 CEO of the Year in Influencer Management and NIL Education, conducted a content creation workshop using products from W by Jake Paul. Brown, a graduate of C.W. Baker High School in Baldwinsville, shared her expertise on brand deal case studies.

Morgan Stanley's Global Sports & Entertainment Wealth Management division contributed by offering a session on financial literacy, equipping student-athletes with crucial financial skills.

Jeremy Jordan, Dean of Falk College, commented on the event's impact. "The Syracuse NIL Summit demonstrated the impact and innovation of Falk College and its students," he said. "This event was another example of the collaboration we have with Syracuse University Athletics to provide Falk students with learning experiences beyond the classroom, and it connected Syracuse student-athletes with NIL industry leaders at a time when NIL is redefining collegiate sports."

The summit was a transformative experience for attendees, supplying them with insights into NIL deal structures, personal branding strategies, and partnership opportunities. Attendees who participated in the content creation workshop secured an NIL deal with W by Jake Paul, underscoring the tangible benefits of the event.

On a closing note, starting July 1, Falk College will transition to the Falk College of Sport, focusing exclusively on sport-related disciplines, uniting diverse programs under one academic identity.