Introduction
Since the NCAA's groundbreaking decision in June 2021 to allow college student-athletes to be compensated for their Name, Image, & Likeness (NIL), the NIL industry has witnessed a remarkable surge. In 2022, NIL deals experienced an impressive growth rate of 146%, indicating that this industry is just starting to take off. Although college football players dominated the NIL landscape last year with over 60% of new deals, women's sports show immense potential for long-term success, particularly in the realm of women's basketball.
NIL deals for women's college basketball athletes increased by over 180%, in parallel with the expansion of viewership. The women's championship game drew 4.85 million viewers on ESPN and its platforms, while the entire tournament averaged 634,000 viewers per game, marking a 16% increase from the previous year. The decision by ABC to broadcast the NCAA women's basketball title game for the first time on April 2 is a clear acknowledgement by major networks of the sport's ability to attract fans and generate revenue. Undoubtedly, this milestone will significantly enhance the value of these female athletes in the NIL arena.
Moreover, female athletes are surpassing their male counterparts in terms of engagement across various sports, as NIL athletes wholeheartedly embrace social media as a means to promote their brand partnerships. Instagram has been the most engaging platform, and branded posts continue to be their most popular asset, while TikTok is increasingly recognized as a powerful marketing tool. Against this backdrop, industries such as Quick Serve Restaurants (QSR), Hotel/Restaurant, and Business Services are increasingly opting for NIL athletes over prominent professional stars as they strive to cultivate newer and younger audiences who are predominantly active on social media platforms.
It comes as no surprise that star NIL athletes, like Caleb Williams, are rapidly expanding their social media followings as their influence continues to grow. Interestingly, high school athletes are also keenly joining in on the action. A prime example is Jada Williams, an Arizona-bound basketball player, who has capitalized on numerous NIL opportunities. This serves as a testament to the vast potential of NIL beyond the collegiate
WHO WE ARE
Cheryl Weaver was raised in the DMV and is currently the head varsity volleyball coach and a school administrator at the Bullis School in Potomac, Maryland. She is a decorated volleyball
player - as a professional, collegiate and high school athlete and set records at every level of the game Cheryl was one of the top volleyball recruits in the country and played at Long Beach State University leading her team to a national title and earning multiple All-American accolades.
She was a member of the U.S. Women’s National Volleyball Team in 2002, played professionally in Puerto Rico, Switzerland, Spain, and Azerbaijan through 2010. In 2011, Cheryl was inducted into the Long Beach State Athletics Hall of Fame.
Cheryl was a multi-sport athlete at Sidwell Friends in Washington DC, leading the Quakers’ basketball and track & field programs and helping lead the volleyball team to the Independent School League (ISL) championship as a sophomore in 1995. She was back-to-back D.C. Gatorade Volleyball Player of the Year for 1996, 1997, and 1998.
WHO WE ARE
Joseph F. Rinaldi is a seasoned financial executive with 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, but what truly sets him apart is his passion for youth sports and community service. Mr. Rinaldi has been coaching youth sports teams in his neighborhood for years, providing mentorship and guidance to young individuals ages 10-16 on and off the field.
Mr. Rinaldi's commitment to sports extends beyond coaching. He has donated his time and money to support local sports programs and organizations, helping to provide opportunities for young people to participate in organized sports. His dedication to sports and community service is reflected in his involvement in nonprofit boards, including serving as Board President of Farmland Child Development.
In addition to his sports-related activities, Mr. Rinaldi has made significant contributions to his community in other ways. He has developed a successful international investment intern incubator program (IIIP) for local students, authored A Beginning Guide to Alternative Assets which has since been translated into a Spanish-English, Korean-English, and Chinese/English versions. He has donated resources to help underprivileged families with education and technology during the COVID-19 pandemic and has fed thousands of Montgomery County homeless families at Shepherds Table
Overall, Mr. Rinaldi's extensive experience in the financial services industry coupled with his dedication to youth sports and community service make him an exceptional individual who values not only professional achievements but also enriching the lives of those around him through sports and education.
