Money, Sports, and Data: The World of College Athletics
In this episode, we dive into the rapidly evolving world of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) with Michael Schwimer, CEO of Big League Advantage and Alabama Men’s Basketball’s secret weapon to making it to the Final Four for the first time in school history. First, we explore the origins of NIL, the NCAA’s initial resistance, and the mechanics of NIL deals, including how collectives operate. Schwimer shares insights on the opportunities and pitfalls of NIL and the long-term implications of NIL for athletes, especially female athletes. Secondly, we dive into how data analytics can revolutionize roster-building in the NIL era. Schwimer explains how Big League Advantage is shaping data science in college athletics, and he offers a behind-the-scenes look at the thought process that was behind helping Alabama's Men’s Basketball team reach the Final Four with minimal NIL spending. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the intersection of sports, money, and data in the collegiate world.