NIL projects like Kansas basketball's deserve more eyeballs

Things are happening in the world of name, image and likeness (NIL) that universities and athletes couldn’t have publiciized or even done before 2021.

Like this one: a partnership among Kansas City-area tech company ShotTracker, The V Foundation for Cancer Research, the University of Kansas Cancer Center and KU’s men’s and women’s basketball program.

According to Sports Media Report, seven men’s and women’s basketball players are taking part in “Jayhawks Victory Over Cancer,” which runs through December 31, 2025. The campaign raises money for cancer research grants. 

Because of NIL, KU athletes can appear in promotions to help raise money for a cause they care about. Before states allowed them to profit from their NIL, athletes couldn’t act as ambassadors, publicize or fundraise for outside brands.

So the next time someone says NIL is “bad for sports,” point to this and dozens of other philanthropic projects athletes lead.

These are the kinds of NIL stories that don’t get shared enough.

💡Which NIL-for-good stories have you heard about? I’d like to use this platform to get them more attention. 👀

©2025 Gail Sideman, nilpublicity.com, The NIL Edge 

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