NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals have been a hot topic in the world of college sports in recent years. These deals allow college athletes to earn money from the use of their name, image, and likeness, which was previously prohibited by the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association). While this may seem like a positive development for college athletes, it could also have some negative impacts on teams, particularly in the case of LSU gymnastics.

As one of the most successful programs in the country, the LSU gymnastics team has a strong following. However, despite their success, the gymnasts were not able to profit from their fame or merchandise sales. With the implementation of NIL deals, some gymnasts may now have the opportunity to earn money from their name, image, and likeness. This, in turn, could lead to some gymnasts prioritizing their personal brand over the team.

One of the biggest concerns with NIL deals is that they could create a divide within teams. Those who are able to secure deals and make money from their name, image, and likeness may be seen as more valuable than their teammates, leading to jealousy and resentment. This could ultimately harm team cohesion and lead to a lack of trust among teammates.

Another concern is that NIL deals could lead to a lack of focus among college athletes. If they are able to earn money from their name, image, and likeness, they may be more focused on building their personal brand rather than their performance on the field or in the gym. This could lead to a decline in performance and ultimately hurt the team’s success. This is the case with gymnasts like Olivia Dunne. She has many NIL deals and is making great money. The problem is that she needs to balance this with school, her sponsors, and performing in the gym. If her performance in the gym goes her following could diminish, thus she will lose sponsors. This is going to be a delicate balance that young NCAA athletes are going to have to learn to balance.

In conclusion, while NIL deals may seem like a positive development for college athletes, they could also have some negative impacts on teams. In the case of LSU gymnastics, it could lead to a divide within the team, a lack of focus among athletes, and an uneven playing field. It is important that the NCAA continues to work on the implementation of NIL deals to ensure that all college athletes are able to benefit from them in a fair and equitable manner.