Volunteers' Involuntary NIL "Talent Fee"
The Tennessee Volunteers football program made headlines recently by introducing a new measure to enhance their competitive edge in the evolving landscape of college athletics: the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) “Talent Fee”. The University plans to add this 10% fee to all football tickets starting in 2025, in hopes of raising $10 million per year. The revenue generated would go into a fund dedicated to supporting player compensation through NIL agreements.
Meaning the University now requires its football fans to pay for its NIL deals. Fans who in 2025 will pay $453.75 per seat for the cheapest possible season tickets, in the family section of the upper deck of Neyland Stadium. This follows the athletic department’s record $202 million in 2023 revenue, $35 million in 2023 Tennessee coaching salaries, and an opulent $30 million planned upgrade and expansion of the locker room.
So the university makes more money, the coaches make more money, the athletes make more money, and the fans pay for it. Same as it ever was. And more college programs are sure to follow Tennessee's lead.
All the more reason to volunteer and join AMFANS, where there’s no Talent Fee and you can always find great savings on college and pro fan gear and all the sporting goods you love.
See Our Great Deals on College and Pro Fan Gear
More about AMFANS
AMFANS saves you money on all sports. AMFANS members receive verified discounts on the best fan gear, sporting goods and sportswear and puts them all in one convenient place, making it easy for you and your family to save money. AMFANS also directly supports the AMFANS Foundation, which provides funding to numerous American sports-related charities. And AMFANS serves as the premier national association representing your interests as a sports fan.
