Clemson, South Carolina Unite on Proposed NIL Bill
Clemson and USC Working Together
Clemson, — In a move showcasing unity in sports and law, the Athletic Departments of Clemson and the University of South Carolina are collaborating on a proposal for a bill to the South Carolina State Legislature. The bill, aimed at further involving schools within the Palmetto State in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) activities has garnered the attention and support of notable figures across the board.
The Clemson Insider was privy to information from a Clemson official that two-time national championship coaches Dabo Swinney and Mike Noonan will be meeting their counterparts from South Carolina on Tuesday in Columbia. The reasons for the meet: to discuss the bill and strategies to ensure athletic department’s success in the fast-evolving landscape of college athletics.
The Hope for Summer
There’s optimism about this bill, with the intention for it to pass this summer, allowing Clemson, South Carolina, and other schools in the state to bring their collective resources in-house to work with their respective athletic departments.
Should the bill be passed, the implications for Clemson’s 110 Society would be significant, granting them the opportunity to become a part of IPTAY—a non-profit fundraising organization supporting Clemson Athletics.
A Step Towards Resolution
It’s important to note that Clemson has been steadily working towards this end. In the summer of 2023, a working group was established. Mainly composed of representatives from Clemson’s former collectives—Dear Old Clemson and Tiger Impact—along with members of the athletic department and IPTAY, the aim was to reach a consensus that would best serve the interests of the university and position its athletics in an advantageous position.
This collaboration led to the formation of the 110 Society, a collective organization with future plans of moving in-house. The 110 Society officially launched in November 2023, serving as the go-to destination for all matters relating to Clemson NIL and the official partner of Clemson Athletics.
The 110 Society in the Limelight
Leading the 110 Society as its General Manager is C.D. Davies—a former executive in the banking industry and recent NIL coordinator for Clemson Football. Under the proposed bill, which is expected to pass, Clemson Athletics and IPTAY, supported by the 110 Society, will have the right to identify potential NIL opportunities for student-athletes and even facilitate deals between student-athletes and third parties.
NCAA’s Similar Plans
To bolster these efforts, the NCAA Council has introduced related proposals, thereby enabling the positive transformation currently redefining the landscape of NIL activities.
With this advanced approach to enhancing student-athlete decision-making and mitigating challenges associated with NIL activities, the business of college athletics is rapidly evolving. At present, all eyes are on Clemson and South Carolina, looking forward to the fruits of their collaboration and the innovative progress they’re set to achieve in the world of NIL.
