Meet Michelle Meyer | NIL Network Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michelle Meyer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michelle, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
On July 1, 2021, the NCAA removed their bylaw that has historically prohibited collegiate athletes from monetizing their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). NIL contains the three aspects in the rights to publicity – rights that every other United States citizen takes for granted. With the removal of the bylaw, a billion dollar industry was essentially created overnight.

What most don’t understand about NIL is that it’s more than just social media endorsements and brands utilizing athletes for their “influence”. College athletes now also have the right to give private lessons, host camps, start a small business, and any other creative endeavor they want to get after. In the first six months, we’ve seen athletes selling their art, singing at open mic nights, and hosting clinics. Former athletes make up a large percentage of entrepreneurs and NIL is allowing them to gain skills before they graduate.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
NIL Network is a hub of resources for athletes, coaches, and administrators to assist in navigating the NCAA rule changes surrounding Name, Image, and Likeness. NIL Network strives to create a more transparent NIL industry, bring together service providers who are doing great work with athletes, and overall contribute positively to this developing industry.

The main resource, the athlete service provider directory, is the most comprehensive and trusted database for athletes to find businesses to help them monetize their NIL.

With this industry being so new and the barrier to entry being non-existent, this directory is crucial for athletes who want to pursue NIL opportunities. At this time, athletes across the country are utilizing it daily.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
As an OBecian, I’m definitely starting the day with a sunrise walk on Sunset Cliffs. After that, we’ll head to the Surf Lodge for their carnitas bene and flight of mimosas. After that, we’re jumping on bikes and riding to Mission Beach to play some beach volleyball. On the way back to the house, we’ll grab a late lunch at Mike’s Tacos.

After a re-group, we’ll head to noodle house to hang with the best bartenders in all the land. Hopefully there’s an SDSU basketball game on so we can cheer on our Aztecs!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Kathy DeBoer (executive director American Volleyball Coaches Association) has been a fantastic role model to me over the past decade. She is always open to a conversation, happy to help where she can, and has empowered me to chase my dreams. Her leadership in collegiate sports is inspiring for all females in the sports industry.

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