The era of Name, Image, & Likeness (NIL) in Collegiate Athletics came fully into being three years ago on July 1, 2021, with both the first state laws permitting collegiate athletes to access NIL opportunities going into effect and then the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) relenting to permit this potentially massive sea change. NIL has been described as everything from the ruination of college sports to a long overdue change and has been discussed nearly constantly since. This presentation will explore not only the present state of NIL on campuses, but how the laws and policies affecting NIL have evolved, where they are, and where they may be headed. It will also explore how NIL should interact with existing advancement, fundraising and philanthropy programs and how universities can better leverage the opportunities created by NIL to develop an overall NIL philosophy that fits both authentically and strategically with each institution's goals.

In the ever-changing landscape of higher education, advancement leaders have a clear imperative: alignment with leadership and their teams is not just beneficial—it's essential. It lays the foundation for cohesive strategies, effective resource utilization, and ultimately, the fulfillment of organizational missions and objectives. Dive into this interactive discussion on the critical importance of alignment with leadership on expectations for outcomes. The focus of this discussion will be particularly relevant to professionals held accountable for reputation, fundraising, alumni engagement, and enrollment. Join us as we embark on a journey to chart a course toward ensuring alignment with leadership, thereby driving organizational success while maximizing professional satisfaction.