Grambling State name, image and likeness deal would provide student-athletes with annual income
Grambling State University is set to break ground on a name, image and likeness (NIL) deal for student-athletes that will provide each athlete with an annual income. This NIL deal is believed to be the first of its kind.
As first reported by ESPN's Pete Thamel, the school will be partnering with Urban Edge Network and ATHLYT to provide the funds. The amount each athlete will receive is unknown.
Grambling State has not yet responded to Paste BN Sports' request for comment.
The news of this NIL deal is the latest in a string of big moves at HBCUs (historically black colleges and universities). Former LSU linebacker Donte Starks announced this month that he is de-committing from Southern University to play for Grambling State and head football coach Hue Jackson. Former Arkansas defensive back Devin Bush also decommitted from Southern this month to join the Tigers.
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Last week Shedeur Sanders, Jackson State quarterback and son of Deion Sanders, became the first HBCU athlete to sign with Gatorade. Sanders, 19, is also the first HBCU athlete to win the Jerry Rice Award. Sanders helped lead the Tigers to their first division title in eight years. In December, Sanders – among other high-profile college athletes – signed an NIL deal with Tom Brady's apparel company Brady Brand.
Contact Analis Bailey at aabailey@usatoday.com or on Twitter @analisbailey.