Michigan State NIL program earns national award

Michigan State has won a national award for its NIL program, showing that the athletic department can compete with the big boys.

In the ever-changing landscape of college sports, Michigan State is on the front lines of excellence.

Michigan State’s Evergreen NIL program was just recognized at the NIL summit as this year’s “Best Institutional Program.” According to the NIL Summit, the award recognizes an “institution that has shown exceptional commitment to supporting its student-athletes in maximizing their NIL opportunities through a combo of education, resources & industry-leading innovation.”

Michigan State – Evergreen is this years' Best Institutional Program! This award recognizes an institution that has shown exceptional commitment to supporting its student-athletes in maximizing their NIL opportunities through a combo of education, resources & industry-leading… pic.twitter.com/5Oy123RBsF

— The NIL Summit (@NILSummit) June 4, 2023

The Evergreen program was started by Michigan State in June 2021. Former athletic director, Bill Beekman said “As we looked at designing our NIL program, we recognized that not only did we have a responsibility to help student-athletes build their brand, but it was also imperative that we provide the education and training so they can capitalize on these opportunities while also navigating this new landscape.

From the time our programs first recruit a student-athlete, we talk about being a Spartan for Life. Our EverGreen program reinforces that lifelong concept, while also providing tools and education that will equip our student-athletes to thrive long after they leave Michigan State.”

The Evergreen program partners with organizations like INFLCR, Anomaly Sports Group, and TeamAltemus. These groups assist in branding, development, and financial education. According to the program’s website, the INFLCR Verified program allows the Michigan State compliance office the ability to track all NIL deals, which will ensure compliance with applicable NCAA rules and state law.

Michigan State recently asked to discontinue their partnership with noted donor, Mat Ishbia and UWM. This has caused some fans to question how the school will adjust to losing that partnership but it should actually be a positive thing for fans. Decisions like this are why the school’s program won this year’s award NIL Summit award.

After Ishbia bought the Suns, the university was concerned about potential conflicts of interest. This is ultimately what led to the discontinuation of the UWM deal. The fact that the program is willing to end a deal with one of its biggest donors because of the potential perception and conflict is a testament to the fact that the university is determined to do business aboveboard and in a way fans and students can take pride in.