The NIL Podcast by SportsEpreneur

NIL, soccer development, and the next generation of player-led pathways. In this conversation, Brando Babini, founder of Youth for Youth Football Club, breaks down how youth soccer, college recruiting, content, mentorship, and American soccer development are changing. Eric Kasimov and Brando discuss the pressure young players face, the rise of the transfer portal, international recruiting, pay-to-...

NIL is no longer just about deals. It is becoming a marketing, data, and infrastructure problem. In this conversation, Brent Wall, co-founder and CEO of Student Athlete Score, breaks down how schools, athletes, and brands are using data to understand athlete value, social reach, campaign performance, and NIL ROI. Eric Kasimov and Brent discuss how NIL is moving from chaos and headline chasing towa...

NIL may officially begin in college, but the pressure now starts much earlier. In this conversation, Dave Yoo, founder of Onsides, breaks down how youth sports has quietly become a massive industry shaped by travel, private training, recruiting, branding, and rising expectations for both athletes and parents. Eric Kasimov and Dave discuss the growing cognitive load families carry, how NIL is pushi...

When NIL exposed the value of athletes, it didn’t build the system around them. In this conversation, Stephen Bienko (42U) breaks down what’s missing — from athlete development and identity to leadership gaps in college athletics — and what needs to change next. This episode focuses on what actually matters now: decision-making, brand equity, and building something that lasts beyond the moment. Ke...

In this interview with Anthony Pitre, an NIL specialist for college sports. We discuss Pitre's experience working with athletes at the University of Florida and now at the University of Texas at Austin, as well as his involvement in the emerging field of NIL. They also touch on topics such as the marketability of athletes in different sports, the return of the EA Sports College Football video game...

In this episode, we feature Sam Green, an educator in the NIL space who helps athletes build their personal brands and navigate the world of social media to monetize their platforms. She emphasizes the importance of efficiency and time management for busy athletes. Sam advises athletes to start with a clear goal and work backward to create a social media strategy that aligns with their post-athlet...

From Division III to NIL Success with Jack Betts In this episode of NIL4U, we sit down with Jack Betts, a former Division III football player from Amherst College who has made waves in the world of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). Here are the key highlights: Jack's NIL Journey: Learn how Jack went from a Division III athlete with limited exposure to securing over 40 NIL deals, breaking barriers f...

In this episode of NIL4U, we are joined by David Gregory, an NFL agent and founder of Bullrush Sports. They discuss how NIL impacted the NFL Draft — specifically, how athletes made decisions about their college eligibility amid Name, Image, and Likeness opportunities. They also touch on the draft's success in Detroit. The conversation covers the financial considerations for athletes deciding wheth...

In this conversation, we talk with Darren Heitner, a sports and entertainment attorney, about the world of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) in college athletics with a focus on NIL representation.  They discuss the current state of NIL, the challenges and opportunities for athletes, brands, and parents, and potential future developments in the space. Heitner emphasizes the importance of proper repr...

In this conversation, Eric Mader discusses the evolution of student-athlete compensation and the challenges and discrepancies in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations. They explore the role of NIL collectives and boosters in supporting student-athletes and the impact of NIL on college athletics.  The conversation also explores the boundaries and regulations of NIL, sponsorship opportunities,...

In this episode, Rob and Trent are joined by Scott Eisenstadt, an NIL agent, to discuss various NIL-related topics. They cover interactions with collectives, the impact of smaller Division I programs, opportunities and challenges for athletes, social media and marketing criteria, differences in NIL opportunities, and parental expectations and misconceptions. The principal themes discussed include...

In this episode, hosts Rob Finkelstein and Coach Trent are joined by Orlando Arnold, founder and CEO of Pyramid Sports and Entertainment. As a former Alabama State baseball player turned MLB agent, Orlando shares his journey and insights into the evolving NIL era. An episode about empowering athletes through NIL. Welcome to the NIL4U Podcast, an enlightening journey into the world of Name, Image,...

In this episode of NIL4U, we talk NIL with Thomas Coke, a multifaceted entrepreneur, lawyer, and expert in branding and alternative finance. Thomas shares his wisdom from his extensive experience in launching ventures and navigating the NIL landscape, mainly focusing on the role of entrepreneurship in leveraging NIL opportunities for student-athletes. Welcome to the NIL4U Podcast, your guide to un...

In this episode of NIL4U, we sit down with Sivonnia DeBarros, the Protector of Athletes®, a trailblazing first-generation lawyer and former Division 1 track and field athlete. With her extensive experience in law and a deep passion for supporting athletes, women, and first-generation business owners, DeBarros shares her insights on creating lasting legacies, the importance of proper legal guidance...

We discuss NIL legal challenges, celebrate athletes making a difference, and share essential tips for navigating the NIL with mentors. Welcome to the NIL4U Podcast, an enlightening journey into the world of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), brought to you by SportsE Media. Topics discussed NIL Legal Challenges, Community Impact, and the Power of Mentorship: The Utah Utes football team's truck deal...

A conversation on the NIL charitable impact, unique NIL stories, and expert tips for athletes in the ever-evolving NIL environment. Welcome to the NIL4U Podcast, an enlightening journey into the world of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), brought to you by SportsE Media. Topics Discussed in NIL Charitable Impact and Complexities: Athletes leveraging NIL for good, including LSU athletes supporting a...

Explore the dynamic world of NIL with stories of NIL athlete deals, educational guidance, and the positive impact of NIL initiatives. Welcome to the NIL4U Podcast, an enlightening journey into the world of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), brought to you by SportsE Media. Topics Discussed in NIL Athlete Deals at Alabama, Michigan, Utah, and Stanford: Unique NIL deals, including a Michigan football...

In today's episode, we explored a variety of topics that showcase the evolving landscape of NIL in collegiate sports. We kicked things off with a brief introduction to Alumni Direct, a platform designed to support athletes in their transition out of sports by providing networking opportunities and resources. We then delved into some groundbreaking changes within NIL, discussing the NCAA's consider...

In this episode, we discuss the positive side of NIL deals and how athletes use their platforms positively. NIL for Good! Connect with the NIL4U hosts and producer Rob Finkelstein: Linkedin | Website Trent Clark: Linkedin | Website SportsE Media: YouTube | TikTok | X | IG An episode all about celebrating athletes who give back: We started the episode by highlighting the importance of education in...

An episode featuring the San Francisco Giant's strength and conditioning, James Clifford (Cliffy). He understands the importance of what you put in your body matters -- as a result, he is also the president of Schmitty's Herbal Snuff. A positive impact episode indeed! Connect with each NIL4U host, producer, and this episode's guest Rob Finkelstein: Linkedin | Website Trent Clark: Linkedin | Websit...

An episode about the future of NIL collectives with Brendan Shaw of Rivals Media. This is all about game-changing insights on athlete endorsements, social impact, and the evolving landscape of college sports. Connect with the hosts and producer of NIL4U Rob Finkelstein: Linkedin | Website Trent Clark: Linkedin | Website SportsE Media: YouTube | TikTok | X | IG Rivals Media and Brendan Shaw: Rivals...

This NIL4U Podcast episode is all about NIL software to help in the process of the new collegiate sports era we are now in. We feature the Co-Founder & CEO at Basepath, Thomas Thomas, Jr. Basepath is a NIL operations software company that streamlines NIL activity between fans, collectives, universities, and student-athletes. Basepath automates tasks, contracts, communication, and finances for...

WELCOME TO NIL4U PODCAST! In this episode, we do a deep dive into Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and its impact on student-athletes.  I'm Rob Finkelstein and in this episode, I'm joined by my co-host, Trent Clark, an expert in the NIL space and CEO of Athletic Influencer Marketing and Leadershipity. TIMESTAMPS 00:00:03 - Introduction to NIL for You Podcast 00:00:51 - Trent Clark's Expertise in NI...

In this episode of NIL4U, hosts Rob Finkelstein and Trent Clark welcome Jamesetta, CEO of Sports Mom University, to discuss the complexities of NIL. They discuss Jamesetta's transition from navigating her children's athletic recruitment to becoming an NIL consultant, focusing on the gaps in parental guidance in sports business. The conversation emphasizes the need for educating athletes and parent...

This NIL4U Podcast episode talks about the wild story of Johnny Manziel and what if Johnny Football had NIL deals when he was playing college football for Texas A&M? We also discuss the Louisville NIL Collective signing the women's basketball and volleyball teams and what this means for women's sports around the country. And finally, how does everyone maintain the integrity of college sports w...