WWE Wrestling Signs 15 In Creative Use Of NIL Rules

Who would have seen this approach to the new NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) rules for college athletes? One might have imagined professional wrestling signing wrestlers but what about basketball or track stars? The leviathan of sports marketing, the WWE, has locked in 15 NCAA student-athletes as part of their “Next In Line” program. Two of the participants are on the rosters of ACC teams.

Part of the allure for the company is that a fair number of these individuals have strong numbers on the social media front. According to a press release the program “provides a clear pathway from collegiate athletics to WWE.” That’s not to say that they were chosen because they might be the next Roman Reigns (a former Georgia Tech athlete) but that they’ll help develop a pipeline for the development system.

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There’s more than financial compensation (which has not been revealed) to the agreement. Each signee will get special access to the WWE Performance Center in Orlando. There they’ll get access to resources that will assist them with brand building, media training, communications, live-event promotion, creative writing and community relations.

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In return, each will endorse professional wrestling on social media and elsewhere. When they’ve completed their obligation to the NIL program some of the athletes may earn an exclusive opportunity for a contract with the organization.

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Duke women’s basketball player Lexi Gordon and Wake Forest track and field athlete Aleeya Hutchins were among the 15 that have been signed for the program.