In this exclusive Brand & Athlete interview, Jay Hicks and Keith Miller sit down with Ben Chase, Director of NIL Strategy for the Florida Gators, to unpack how Florida’s top-tier athletics program is navigating the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) landscape. From empowering student-athletes to monetize their brand, to providing insights into how universities can remain competitive, Ben offers a wealth of knowledge you won’t want to miss.
Whether you’re a student-athlete, coach, or college administrator, this interview is packed with actionable takeaways on building a personal brand, NIL strategies, and the future of college sports marketing. Watch the full interview below or dive into the key highlights we’ve pulled out just for you.
Watch the Full Interview Here:
Why You Should Watch This Episode:
This episode gives a deep dive into Florida’s innovative approach to NIL. Ben Chase is not only a seasoned strategist but also a former content creator who understands the value of storytelling and brand building from both sides of the table. Whether you’re managing NIL deals for your athletes or trying to grow your personal brand, this conversation will help you navigate the complexities of NIL in today’s college athletics environment.
Key Takeaways:
- Florida’s NIL Strategy: How the Gators built a comprehensive NIL program to support athletes, starting with local and national partnerships.
- Personal Branding: Practical tips for athletes, even those in non-revenue sports, on how to build and monetize their personal brand.
- Managing NIL and Compliance: The challenges and importance of adhering to compliance while creating opportunities for athletes.
- Future of NIL: What’s next for college athletes in the NIL landscape, including revenue-sharing models and how Title IX may impact the future.
Time Codes:
- 0:00-3:00 – Ben Chase on Florida’s NIL Strategy and Success in Multiple Sports
- 10:00-15:00 – Managing Athlete Personal Brands Beyond Football & Basketball
- 20:00-25:00 – Navigating NIL Compliance and Challenges in High-Pressure Environments
- 35:00-40:00 – Building Brand Influence as a Content Creator
- 50:00-55:00 – Future Disruptions in NIL: Revenue Sharing & Title IX Implications
Overview of the Conversation:
Jay and Keith kick off the interview by highlighting Florida’s dominance in various sports and its commitment to being at the forefront of NIL. Ben Chase dives into how Florida creates turnkey NIL deals with local businesses for athletes from day one. He emphasizes the importance of personal branding, not just for star athletes but for everyone on the team. Whether it’s a gymnast or a track athlete, Florida’s approach is to give every athlete the tools they need to succeed off the field.
Ben also shares how athletes can batch content to keep their social media channels active without sacrificing their academic or athletic responsibilities. With NIL moving towards a revenue-sharing model, Ben discusses the challenges and opportunities that schools like Florida will face in the near future, especially in managing compliance and keeping up with industry changes.
If you’re an athlete or coach looking to level up in the NIL space, this episode is a must-watch. Don’t forget to subscribe to the Brand & Athlete YouTube channel and follow us on social media for more deep dives into sports marketing, NIL, and influencer branding strategies.
