College athlete Matt Sluka’s NIL dispute reflects broader issues

University of Nevada, Las Vegas starting quarterback Matthew Sluka, who led the team to a 3-0 record this season, announced this week that he would leave after three games due to alleged unfulfilled $100,000 Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) promises made verbally by the college.

While the UNLV collective denied any such promise, star athlete Sluka’s exit highlights the problems with the current NIL system, which allows players to earn money through endorsements but not directly from teams.

Experts on NIL believe this situation could inspire other athletes to quit their teams mid-season if they see better financial opportunities elsewhere, even without disputes.

More chaos can ensue since rules allow players who appear in less than five games to change teams and preserve their eligibility for the following season. It helps them to transfer and potentially earn more money from bigger schools.

If schools, rather than third parties like sponsors and boosters, controlled NIL deals directly, these disputes could be avoided. But that could take a while.

Currently, college teams are advised not to entice students with probable endorsement deals and money, and they can also cancel any written deal before students enroll. This means NIL booster clubs and sponsors manage payouts. Mostly, the deals made are verbal, without a paper trail. 

The NCAA still prohibits schools from offering direct payments to athletes.