NBC Sports is getting into the collegiate NIL space with the launch of a new platform that will match up athletes with the thousands of advertisers the media company does business with. NBC Sports Athlete Direct is an NIL marketplace where athletes opt in and connect with NBC advertisers. Three schools -- Notre Dame, Vanderbilt and Temple -- have joined the new platform that is being managed by NBC Sports Senior VP/Strategic Initiatives Damon Phillips.

Phillips said Athlete Direct is a pilot program, but he is optimistic that NBC Sports’ unique position as the only major network in the NIL space will benefit the platform. There also will be an educational component with a focus on financial wellness through the resources at CNBC and NIL best practices.