As we catch our collective breaths from a record-breaking NCAA Tournament - from TV ratings, to social media conversation to historic on-court performances - one topic that is still making headlines is the NIL opportunity for international student-athletes, or lack thereof, as reported by most of the media.
Yes, International Athletes Can Do Apparel Deals
Contrary to the robust editorial conversation around Final Four and Purdue’s two-time National Player of the Year Zach Edey, the Canadian - and all international student-athletes - is allowed to earn compensation in the NIL space and The NIL Store powered by Campus Ink is proud to support him.
Although Edey cannot engage in active U.S.-based NIL campaigns - ie. brand promotions, commercial shoots or autograph signings - he IS allowed to earn passive NIL income from jersey and merchandise sales, as long as he doesn’t promote the launches while on U.S. soil.
#1: The Zach Edey “Big Maple” Hockey Jersey
— Purdue NIL Store (@PurdueNILStore) April 4, 2024
A tribute to @zach_edey’s Canadian heritage, this is the number 1 selling product in the history of the @nil_store!https://t.co/TgG3gtlHSa pic.twitter.com/R6yUTKJTRM
Top March Sellers Were International Athletes!
Ironically, the NIL Store’s top-selling male and female athletes were both international student-athletes, with Edey hailing from Canada and (then) Virginia Tech’s Georgia Amoore being from Australia.
Fans Help Support International Athletes
The coolest part is that many fans are keenly aware of international NIL limitations, and are therefore extra supportive of apparel sales to help suppose their athletes.
When Edey is abroad - like he was earlier this season for a game against Alabama in his hometown of Toronto - the Boilermaker big can promote brands and take part in active NIL opportunities.
Zach Edey's Best Drops
The NIL Store has supported Edey for the past two seasons with widely successful jersey and merchandise launches, so much so that he has been our network’s top-selling athlete all-time.
From his NIL Store record-breaking “Big Maple” hockey jersey highlighting his Toronto roots to an entire collection celebrating becoming Purdue’s all-time leading scorer, the Purdue NIL Store has featured a multitude of products that tell the big man’s unique story, while while putting industry-leading payments directly into his pocket, all while following U.S. NIL law.
International Athletes Find Home at NIL Store
So although Edey has certainly missed out on some NIL opportunities while studying and competing on U.S. soil, we are proud of our work with one of college basketball’s all-time greats.
The NIL Store is here to support all athletes - whether U.S. citizens or international - with the opportunity to tell their own stories through officially licensed NIL merchandise.
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