The Arkansas Edge, the organizational vehicle established less than two years ago through which University of Arkansas athletes were provided name, image, and likeness (NIL) financial deals, will officially end on Oct. 15.
Blueprint managed the NIL programs for many universities, including Penn State University, University of Kansas, University of Maryland, Boston College, Stanford University, Gonzaga University, University of Arizona, University of Tennessee, and the University of Nevada Las Vegas.
The University of Arkansas Athletics Department announced Monday (Oct. 6) it will end its relationship with Blueprint Sports that began in November 2023[1].
Blueprint, which managed Arkansas Edge, was the athletic department’s answer to changes approved by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in July 2021 that allowed NIL funding deals for athletes. The Arkansas Edge was one of many so-called collectives that provided a legal way for boosters and fans to engage with athletes through NIL deals, pool financial resources and create user-friendly marketplaces.
But such collectives are no longer needed following a July 2025 federal court ruling that allows universities to work directly with athletes on financial deals, including revenue-sharing agreements. The ruling provided approval of a settlement between former college athletes and the NCAA.
“As the new era of college athletics has evolved, Arkansas Athletics’ focus on securing NIL opportunities for student-athletes has transitioned successfully to the Front Office and the new Director of NIL Strategy,” the UA noted in the Monday press release. “Additionally, multimedia rights partner Learfield (Razorback Sports Properties) continues to support the department by engaging companies for NIL opportunities for student-athletes.”
Following are a few of the key changes resulting from the court-approved settlement between the NCAA and the former athletes.
• The NCAA and conferences will pay $2.8 billion in media rights revenue to thousands of athletes who competed since 2016.
• Universities may now execute NIL agreements directly with athletes.
• Universities that opt in to the settlement plan can spend up to $20.5 million on athletes in the 2025-26 academic year.
• The NCAA’s scholarship limits will be replaced with team roster size limits for universities that agree to be part of the settlement.
“The House v. NCAA, Carter v. NCAA, and Hubbard v. NCAA cases resulted in landmark settlements totaling $2.8 billion,” according to Verita[2]. “In the lawsuits, college athletes argued they were denied the chance to earn money from endorsements and media appearances, which they alleged was in violation of antitrust laws. These settlements compensate athletes for lost opportunities, recognizing their contributions and ensuring fair treatment moving forward.”
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- ^ began in November 2023 (talkbusiness.net)
- ^ according to Verita (www.collegeathletecompensation.com)