Graduate Program
Sports Administration
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Semester of Degree Completion
Spring 2026
Thesis Director
Andrew J. Kerins
Thesis Committee Member
James R. Barkley
Thesis Committee Member
Kristin E. Brown
Abstract
College athletics is undergoing a significant shift as a result of state laws and federal rulings that affect the payment of student athletes. Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) refers to the ability for college athletes to earn compensation depending on how their name, image, and likeness are used in the commercial space. NIL is an emerging concept within college athletics as coaches, athletes, and administrators are still trying to understand the best approach. The goal of this research was to examine the role of collectives within the world of college athletics and what is being done to help regulate these entities. Incorporating data from interviews with 10 different college athletes and administrators, this study identified four major themes: enforcement, little or no guidance, federal legislation/higher entity regulation, and relativity. This research aims to gain a better understanding of the approaches that are being taken to help ensure consistent regulation, as well as highlighting areas where uniform regulation may be necessary. The results of this study showcase the attitude towards the current NIL system and examines what can be done moving forward to help regulate the collectives and other NIL entities. Future implications of NIL and how it may impact specific areas of college athletics moving forward are addressed.
Recommended Citation
Horner, Sam, "NIL Collective Regulation" (2026). Masters Theses. 5108.
https://thekeep.eiu.edu/theses/5108
