Consulting firm Altius Sports Partners is "formally launching" this week as a shop that can "help schools navigate NIL guidelines, whether they are written by federal, state or NCAA legislators," according to Smith & Fischer of SPORTS BUSINESS JOURNAL. Altius' model is "built on signing consulting agreements with schools that address the NIL rules changes expected to take effect in the next 10 months," as well as "modifications beyond that." Those "could range from compliance support to NIL’s impact on coaching, recruiting and booster involvement, and an educational component for athletes." Altius CEO Casey Schwab said, "I've had my eyes on the changing NCAA landscape for several years, and my focus was on how NIL was going to get implemented. There's going to be a lot of uncertainty as NIL takes shape." Altius' "first two clients," LSU and Texas, also are the "first two known schools to sign comprehensive advisory deals in the NIL space." Arizona State is "finalizing its deal with Altius." Schwab and his co-founding partners, David Carter and John Entz, are launching with a "powerhouse lineup of 10 college insiders and marketing experts" whose "formidable roster" of advisers ranges from Urban Meyer to former XFL Commissioner Oliver Luck. But Altius has "no external capital partners," and Schwab is the "only full-time employee for now." Equity is "wholly held by the founding partners and advisers," though the company "declined to break down details." Schwab said that Altius has "initial funding for 12-15 months" (SPORTS BUSINESS JOURNAL, 10/5).
