NIL Edge

NIL Edge Interview - Brett Sible - Associate Athletics Director, NIL Strategy & Innovation - DePaul

In this episode of NIL Edge, Brett Sible, Associate AD for NIL Strategy and Innovation at DePaul University, joins the show to discuss how DePaul is navigating the evolving NIL and revenue-sharing landscape from a uniquely different position within college athletics. Brett shares how DePaul’s location in Chicago, lack of football, and direct approach to revenue sharing are shaping the school’s strategy in the new era of athlete compensation. The conversation also explores the growing shift away from collectives, how schools are balancing revenue generation with athlete support, and why transparency and simplicity are becoming increasingly important in athlete negotiations. What You’ll Learn: * How DePaul is approaching revenue sharing without relying heavily on collectives or MMR structures * Why being located in Chicago creates unique NIL and brand partnership opportunities for athletes * How athletic departments are thinking about athlete compensation, recruiting, and long-term sustainability in the post-collective era

NIL Edge Interview - Lisa Hake - Winmark - Chief Marketing Officer

A conversation with Lisa Hake, the Chief Marketing Officer of Winmark Corporation, the parent company of brands including Play It Again Sports, Plato’s Closet, Once Upon A Child, Style Encore, and Music Go Round. The discussion explores how major consumer brands think about athlete partnerships, what makes NIL opportunities stand out internally, and why authenticity and audience alignment matter more than simple follower counts. Lisa also shares insights into how brands approach storytelling, community engagement, and long-term partnership strategy as college athletics continues evolving in the revenue-sharing and NIL era. What to expect: * How major consumer brands evaluate athlete and school partnerships * Why authenticity and audience alignment matter more than vanity metrics * Practical takeaways for NIL professionals, athletes, and brands building sponsorship strategies

NIL Edge Interview - Justin DiTolla - California - Associate Athletics Director, NIL

In this episode of NIL Edge, we sit down with Justin DiTolla, Associate AD for NIL at Cal, to break down what it actually looks like to operate an NIL and revenue share model inside a Power Four athletic department. With a background in compliance and now leading Cal’s NIL efforts, Justin offers a real-world perspective on how roles, responsibilities, and priorities have rapidly evolved. At the center of the conversation is a major shift: NIL is no longer just education and brand-building—it’s now intertwined with revenue sharing, contract management, and cap strategy. That evolution is forcing departments to operate more like professional front offices, often without a clear blueprint. We also explore how schools are approaching athlete education, where real NIL opportunities are coming from, and how departments are thinking about “above the cap” strategies in an increasingly competitive landscape. What to Expect (Key Takeaways): * Why NIL roles are evolving into full-scale front office positions, including contract negotiation and cap management * How athlete education, branding, and revenue share are all connected in building a complete compensation model * Where the most realistic NIL opportunities exist today—and why local businesses remain a key driver

NIL Edge Interview - Josie Leinart - WeAreNIL Practice Lead & Sports Law Attorney

In this episode of NIL Edge, we sit down with Josie Leinart, WeAreNIL Practice Lead & Sports Law Attorney, to break down the realities of navigating NIL in today’s rapidly shifting college athletics landscape. With experience advising athletes, schools, and brands, Josie offers a clear-eyed view into where the industry is working—and where it’s falling short. At the center of the conversation is a simple but critical issue: many athletes are entering NIL opportunities without fully understanding the implications. That gap is shaping everything from deal structures to long-term decision-making, and it’s forcing the industry to rethink how education, access, and support are delivered. We also explore emerging topics like international athlete restrictions, the growing conversation around athlete employment, and how legal perspectives are evolving alongside the business of college sports. What to Expect (Key Takeaways): * Why many athletes are still navigating NIL without a full understanding of their opportunities and risks * The biggest blind spots in NIL deals—and how they can impact athletes long-term * Where the industry is heading next: athlete employment, international challenges, and shifting legal frameworks Disclaimer: This is a paid interview in partnership with WeAreNIL.

NIL Edge Interview: Brennan White - Assistant Athletic Director/General Manager & NIL Administration - Illinois State

In this episode of NIL Edge, we sit down with Brennan White, Assistant AD / General Manager for NIL Administration at Illinois State, to explore how NIL strategy looks outside the Power Four — and what it really takes to build sustainable opportunities for student-athletes at the FCS level. Brennan shares lessons from Illinois State’s recent football success, the realities of operating with limited resources, and why relationships remain the foundation of effective NIL programs. What you’ll learn in this episode: * How Illinois State built an effective NIL strategy at the FCS level — focusing on relationships, local partnerships, and intentional resource allocation rather than chasing volume. * The role of community and local businesses in NIL success, and why regional partnerships often drive the most authentic and sustainable opportunities for student-athletes. * How NIL leaders manage expectations and educate athletes, helping them understand value, ROI for businesses, and what “true NIL” looks like outside the Power Four ecosystem. This conversation offers a practical look at how NIL programs can succeed without massive budgets — and why people, process, and trust still matter most in the evolving NIL landscape.