Black Female Division I Athlete Experience in NIL Era of College Athletics

The emergence of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) has fundamentally transformed the landscape of collegiate athletics, providing student-athletes with unprecedented opportunities to profit from their personal brand. This study explores the intersection of NIL and the academic and athletic experiences of Black female collegiate athletes at Division I institutions compared to their counterparts. Through a quantitative analysis, this research examines how NIL influences their academic commitment, athletic performance, and overall collegiate experience. Additionally, it investigates the challenges and barriers these athletes face in leveraging NIL opportunities, including disparities in access, representation, and institutional support. By centering on Black female athletes, this study contributes to growing discourse on equity in collegiate sports and aims to inform policies and support NIL ecosystems within collegiate sports. The findings highlight the dual impact of NIL as both an avenue for empowerment and emphasizing the need for strategic educational and institutional interventions. Ultimately, this research provides critical insights and serves as a platform for further research into the impact of NIL and how we can support Black female collegiate athletes.