A large majority of athletic directors are concerned with the direction of NIL collectives, according to a recent survey conducted by LEAD1 association.

LEAD1, which represents the athletics directors of the 130 member schools at the FBS level, says that 90% of survey respondents are concerned that collectives are using name, image, and likeness (NIL) payments as an improper recruiting tool. The report says 80 FBS ADs were included in the survey.

Among them, 73% of respondents said they were “extremely concerned” with the issue.

“This is a transformational period in college sports and the results of our survey illustrate that the FBS athletic directors are extremely concerned with a number of key issues,” LEAD1 President and CEO Tom McMillen said in a release.  “We have shared our findings with the NCAA and expressed that considerable work needs to be done in order to continue to support the success of student-athletes and the evolution of college athletics.”

Overall, the LEAD1 survey results of FBS athletic directors included findings like:

  • 78% of ADs surveyed agree NIL collectives will impact traditional athletic department fundraising, which might lead to a reduction in both participation opportunities and the allocation of resources for student-athletes
  • 77% agree an unregulated NIL market will lead to increased scandals, such as a sports betting scheme and/or athletes being taken advantage of
  • 72% agree NIL payments should be tied to market value
  • 87% agree more structure should be implemented for the transfer portal such as designated time windows on transferring
  • 92% disagree that NIL payments being used as “pay for performance” should be allowed (similar to incentive-based bonuses in coaching contracts)
  • 87% disagree that NIL payments being used as “pay for play” should be allowed (like a school giving every football player $50,000)