Great question. I’m trying to imagine a fairy land where NIL and loyalty coexist. In that land, NIL deals follow a vested schedule just like a 401k. As months/semesters go by, more cut is yours. Unfortunately if we’re the only ones coming to the table with that model, we’ll have a roster full of 3 stars. (yes I know Giorgi was a 3 star)
But that brings up an interesting point. Would a recruit take $50k guaranteed over year 1, or $200k on a vested schedule that ends after year 2? Would donors and sponsors dig deeper into their pockets for this level of assurance? I have no frickin idea.