NIL started a new era in college sports. Where do SMU, TCU collectives fit in?

Collectives have popped up across the country as new ways for college athletes to pursue sponsorship deals.

The advent of lucrative name, image and likeness sponsorship deals a year ago set off an eventful year in college sports as athletes, companies, boosters and universities scrambled to gain an advantage.

There’s little question now about the unprecedented economic opportunities that the NIL era ushered in for college and high school athletes. What is believed to be the largest deal to date — worth a reported $9.5 million — went to four-star quarterback Jaden Rashada after he committed to the University of Miami.