LAS VEGAS – UNLV Runnin’ Rebels men’s basketball coach Josh Pastner clarified comments he made last week regarding the athletic department seeking an “owner” for the team. The clarification came in a statement posted on the program’s social media channels Monday.
The initial comments, which sparked discussion, referenced the changing landscape of college athletics with the advent of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. Pastner explained that the athletic department was looking for significant financial backing to remain competitive in the NIL era.
According to ESPN, Pastner stated his intention was not to suggest a literal ownership structure but rather to highlight the need for substantial investment. The statement read, verbatim, that the athletic department was seeking out an “owner” for the Runnin’ Rebels men's basketball team in the NIL era. He aimed to emphasize the financial requirements necessary to support the program and its players through NIL opportunities.
The clarification comes as college athletics programs across the country grapple with how best to navigate the new world of NIL, where athletes can profit from their personal brand while maintaining eligibility. The search for external funding is becoming increasingly common as schools attempt to provide competitive NIL packages to attract and retain top talent.
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