Indiana Univ. Athletics Announces Creation Of NIL Task Force

The Indiana Univ. athletic department took another step in what will "eventually be a national move toward allowing student-athletes to profit off of their name, image, and likeness" with the announcement of a newly-formed NIL Task Force, according to Jon Blau of the Bloomington HERALD-TIMES. The 14-member group announced yesterday "will provide oversight and help student-athletes in 'understanding, assessing and capitalizing' on NIL opportunities." The task force, chaired by associate ADs Becky Pany and Jeremy Gray, "includes assistant coaches Tom Ostrom (men's basketball), Mike Hart (football), Ashley Williams (women's basketball), Kevin Robson (men's soccer) [and] Emily Easton (swimming)." There also are "two representatives from the compliance department." Earlier this month, IU Athletics partnered with the sports tech company Opendorse for its "ready program," which "will help athletes build a social media presence." The three-year contract with Opendorse cost $75,000 (Bloomington HERALD-TIMES, 8/27).