1. College athletes are utilizing platforms like Instagram and TikTok to promote themselves for NIL deals.
2. LinkedIn is an effective platform for athletes to connect with brands and secure brand deals.
3. Athletes like Sabrina Oostburg and Connor Printz have found success in landing sponsorship deals and connecting with agents through LinkedIn.
College athletes now have the opportunity to make money through their name, image, and likeness (NIL) by promoting themselves on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. However, LinkedIn is an often-overlooked platform where athletes can connect directly with brands and secure brand deals. Some student-athletes, such as Tanner Maddox, Sabrina Oostburg, and Connor Printz, have found success in building their brands on LinkedIn.
While Instagram and TikTok are essential for showcasing creativity and building an audience, LinkedIn is better suited for connecting with businesses and marketers, according to Out2Win founder Jack Adler. Oostburg and Printz have both used LinkedIn to secure NIL brand deals, connect with professionals, and even find agents for their future careers.
Despite some peers not seeing the value in LinkedIn, Oostburg and Printz have been able to leverage the platform to advance their careers and secure opportunities. Oostburg landed sponsorship deals and connected with her current agency through LinkedIn, while Printz found his agent and networked with professionals in the industry through the platform.
Athlete Con founder Samantha Green advises student-athletes to utilize LinkedIn to post about their NIL deals, contact brands for opportunities, and build a professional presence while still in college. Athletes like UCLA quarterback Chase Griffin have proven that LinkedIn can play a significant role in setting up future success and networking in the sports industry, even beyond their college careers. LinkedIn offers student-athletes a unique opportunity to connect with brands, build their personal brand, and set themselves up for a successful future in sports.