LAS VEGAS- When NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) first emerged in college sports in the summer of 2021, it shook a 100-year industry to its core.
And while the NIL space has seen several twists and turns since, there's one thing that's obvious: The old way is dead. We aren't going back, and there's nothing anyone can do but adapt and adjust to the ever-changing new world.
An event last Friday in Las Vegas hosted by Ryan Silver and Silver Waves Media understands that - and brought all the heaviest hitters in the NIL space together in one room to discuss where we are, and everyone's best guest at where things are going next.
Put simply, the "Silver Waves Media Conference" was a never-before-seen meeting of the minds in the NIL space. It provided an incredible window into where the space is, but also where it's going.
Just as important, it showed how far we've already come.
"When I first heard about NIL I didn't believe it was real," Silver told onlookers as his presentation opened around 8 a.m. in a Wynn Conference ballroom.
And from there, power players from virtually every part of the space presented. There were athletic directors from schools such as St. John's, McNeese State, UC-Riverside and Sacramento State, and collective leaders from Louisville and Ole Miss. Power agent Daniel Poneman led a panel, with Glenn Sugiyama a senior partner for one of college sports' biggest search firms, DHR Global, joining others. There were panels for NIL in women's sports. And companies such as AthleteAI took you into what the future of NIL and content generation might look like.
Finally, keynote speaker Adrian Wojnarowski wrapped the day, joking with the audience that when he agreed to headline the event, he told Silver not to tell anyone. At the time, "Woj" was still an ESPN NBA insider, not the most famous GM in college basketball at Saint Bonaventure.
Overall, the event was an incredible never-before-seen collection of thought leaders in the space, and as the day went on a couple key themes emerged.
Ultimately while no one really knows quite where the space is going (something reiterated by everyone in attendance) what's clear is that everyone is working their best to put the best opportunities in front of student athletes. The AD panel specifically talked about the idea of "community" and making sure that donors feel a part of the school and university and aren't just writing checks.
Beyond that, Wojnarowski wrapped the event with a message for everyone in attendance, saying "Let's not forget about the degree," explaining why NIL opportunities can't be the only focus for both schools and student athletes. Receiving an education still should be at the core of the college experience for all athletes involved.
It truly was a one-of-a-kind event, with Silver wrapping the proceedings by thanking everyone for attending the "first annual" Silver Waves Media NIL Conference.
Based on the response, it won't be the last.
For more information on the event, and future events set to be hosted at the 2025 men's and women's Final Four's, visit Silver Waves Media's website. Also be sure to follow them on social media on Twitter and Instagram.