Syracuse Orange: NIL collective is live, but tough to compete with big boys

A few days ago, long-time Syracuse basketball recruiting target Joseph Estrella, a 2023 four-star big man, picked Southeastern Conference member Tennessee over other finalists Iowa and the Syracuse Orange.

Naturally, this decision bummed out a lot of ‘Cuse fans, myself included. And I’ve read a whole lot of commentary from Orange fans lately on social media and in chat rooms that speak to Syracuse sports teams missing out on recruits like Estrella, due to the ‘Cuse not being super competitive to date in the name, image and likeness (“NIL”) world.

First and foremost, Estrella has made it clear that NIL wasn’t a factor in why he chose the Tennessee brand of orange over Syracuse and Iowa. And I believe him.

That being said, there is no question in mind that top-flight high-school players in basketball, football and many other collegiate sports are going to end up with other teams, rather than the Syracuse Orange, because of NIL deals that are available elsewhere.

To that end, a nonprofit is up and running to help support Syracuse Orange athletes.

Not too long ago, a Web site went live for the 315 Foundation, a nonprofit organization established in June of this year to “support SU Athletics by matching athletes with local 501(c)3 charities. Athletes will be paid to promote charitable causes through personal appearances and their social media,” according to its Web site.

The 315 Foundation is similar to groups known as collectives that have been forming across the country ever since NCAA officials begin allowing student-athletes to earn endorsement income off of the NIL.

Now, these NIL deals aren’t supposed to be used as forms of inducement by colleges and universities to entice a particular recruit to choose a particular school (“pay-for-play” schemes), but let’s get real. It’s happening now, and it will continue to occur in the future.

I’m just hopeful that the launch of the 315 Foundation is a solid beginning to competitive NIL deals becoming available for student-athletes who come to the Hill.

Like many of you, I’m aware of the headlines nationwide, and the NIL deals being announced worth hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars by powerhouse teams in powerhouse leagues.

With conference realignment ongoing, and the Big Ten Conference and the SEC looking like it will dominate other leagues, including the Atlantic Coast Conference, can the Syracuse Orange compete with the big boys as it pertains to NIL?

"My gut says probably not, but only time will tell. Last month, in an article from Pete Nakos of On3, he wrote in part that “plans are in place to have Syracuse student-athletes cash in through the 315 Foundation but only after completing community service work. Athletes will do philanthropic work before they see any cash, working with charities.”"

I respect that concept. Certainly, a lot of student-athletes nationally are lining up NIL deals where they promote companies on social media, in advertisements and through other channels.

But if the 315 Foundation truly is focused on providing NIL compensation to Syracuse Orange sports players only after they do charitable work, I’m all for that.

Maybe this collective or other NIL efforts in Central New York won’t be able to match Alabama, Ohio State, Texas, Oklahoma, Georgia, Duke, Kansas, North Carolina and the like – and does it put the Syracuse Orange at a competitive disadvantage in this brave new NIL world?

Probably. That’s what happens in a free-market economy. People follow the money. And you can’t blame young men and women who are in college and playing collegiate sports if they follow the money themselves.