Still feels like we're behind the NIL curve. Other Valley schools are selling beer, T-Shirts, etc to fund their NIL and promoting it more online.
@siudawgs I don’t know if that’s the norm elsewhere but the donors should be kept in loop how much we got.
If fans such as myself knew it was low and needed more maybe they’d give more? Since they don’t say and don’t advertise I’m gonna assume it’s just fine and I can keep my money in my pocket.
@salukiworld Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe beer is sold at home games at Banterra. Where do proceeds from alcohol go? Also, what type of T shirt is being sold? What does it say? I would love to have a Saluki polo like the coaches wear.
I wonder if we all emailed our athletic director and suggest what you are posting we may see some of these ideas take fruition? This topic surely needs addressing if people are expected to gain interest.
Illinois State sells player T-Shirts. They were top 10 in NIL merch sales last month for their Johnny Kinziger shirt where he's bleeding against Bradley.
This is their NIL store with that shirt: https://nil.store/illinois-state/ilst-johnny-kinziger-11
In terms of beer, Drake and Bradley have their own beer line that has some sales go towards NIL
@slydawg I certainly agree. Promoting this endeavor is critical if we are to secure better transfers, as well as maintain our current best players. I would also like the basketball program to be slightly more transparent on funds, ( doubt that happens) as well as potential recruits. If fans see a potential transfer with a lot of upside, they may be willing to give a bit more, or possibly quite a bit more.
SIU always seems to take its time with extremely important issues. SIGH
@salukiworld You are correct, SIU is behind the curve/8 ball. Depressing!
SIU sells beer and gear at Banterra and at football games. No idea where the money goes. Certainly some of it goes to pay workers.
As far as disclosing amounts of NIL, maybe schools use that against each other in recruiting or maybe that could hurt recruiting in some way? I know corporations rarely reveal the raises employees get for obvious reason.
Beerwise, we have a fermentation science degree which no other state school has, and we have our own beer, King Ale, brewed in conjunction with Ravinia Brewing.
Maybe SIU should fire up another beer just for NIL!
@tj-mcflys SIU seems to have been behind the 8/ball on the NIL thing since day one and apparently still remains there. Geez!
No one has an idea where we are at with NIL? Has there been no NIL push this transfer season from the Pride of Little Egypt? It’s crazy how quiet it seems…
No one has an idea where we are at with NIL? Has there been no NIL push this transfer season from the Pride of Little Egypt? It’s crazy how quiet it seems…
I heard a rumor we threw a big number at Kennard and he still entered the portal. If that number is true then we have more money than I thought in NIL. Hopefully that means we can use that secure Dibba, Elliott, etc.. plus add some other nice players.
I've got a ton of ideas on what SIU should do to help generate community engagement and NIL funds - some of which I've seen at other schools (including my other alma mater)
Experience Auctions - these are cool. Auction of player-led experiences like gaming nights with players, bowling with coaches & Players, VIP locker room and shootaround access. Donors fund the NIL deals, and players are compensated for time / appearance.
Custom merch collabs - The school should look to collab with student-run designers to create limited edition merch (like ISU did) with things like players slogans, nicknames, signatures etc. Obviously portion of proceeds go to the players
Player vlogs / podcasts / streams - This one could be a little tricky. Can be sponsored by local businesses or alumni too. I know tons of players game and stream and can be a way to fund it. I've actually seen players do tournaments and these get INSANELY high engagement.
Basketball camp - Hopefully they bring this back. The difference is that a good portion of the funds goes to the NIL collective. Host a skills camp in the preseason also.
Dinners with the players - Partner with the local restaurants. I know we have the "Meet the Salukis" night where it's a big event (and I'm not sure how much money goes to NIL). But I'm also thinking of something throughout the year where a donor can meet with 1-2 players for dinner. Restaurants benefit from the draw, players get NIL comp for attending and engaging.
Fan Art Fridays - Social contests where fans submit art/memes/videos featuring players. Winners get signed gear / shoutouts / etc.
Season Long Player Sponsors - Businesses or fans can "sponsor " a player for the season (think like Nascar LOL)
Social Impact Projects - community driven initiatives like charity walks, food drives, school visits led by players. Donors fund the initiative, players are compensated while giving back.
No one has an idea where we are at with NIL? Has there been no NIL push this transfer season from the Pride of Little Egypt? It’s crazy how quiet it seems…
I think we're in good shape when it comes to being competitive. Still behind Drake, Bradley, Murray State, Illinois State at least.
Winning helps a lot when it comes to Drake and Bradley. People are going to be more willing to spend on a team that's had sustained success like those two.
Murray State is the sleeping giant in the conference with their new coach. Don't be surprised if Ja Morant doesn't pony up a big figure ($1 million a year?) to the school. They were well-funded this year but underachieved badly.
No one has an idea where we are at with NIL? Has there been no NIL push this transfer season from the Pride of Little Egypt? It’s crazy how quiet it seems…
I heard a rumor we threw a big number at Kennard and he still entered the portal. If that number is true then we have more money than I thought in NIL. Hopefully that means we can use that secure Dibba, Elliott, etc.. plus add some other nice players.
I really feel like he's looking at $400k range if not more at a power school. I don't doubt we offered him good money for us, but I can't see them offering anywhere close to the numbers he'll get in the open market.
