Join us for an in-depth conversation with Kendall Johnson, Client Service Coordinator at Altius Sports Partners, as he shares his journey from college football player to NIL industry expert. Johnson breaks down the evolving landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness deals, reveals insider strategies for student-athletes to maximize opportunities, and offers practical advice for breaking into the competitive sports business world.

GUEST INFORMATION:

• Name: Kendall Johnson
• Title/Credentials: Client Service Coordinator at Altius Sports Partners
• Background: Former student-athlete at University of Nevada and University of Louisiana Lafayette, former Nike employee, NIL industry specialist

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

• Company works with Division I programs on retainer basis, taking no cut from athlete deals [0:00]

• Key quote: "We don't take a cut in any of the athlete deals at all. We're completely paid by the school on a retainer basis" [0:00]

• Founded in October 2020 by Casey, former NFLPA attorney, launched with LSU and Texas [1:17]

• Advisory team includes Oliver Luck (former West Virginia AD), Randy Anderson (NFL Chiefs CRO), Jessica Mendoza (ESPN) [2:45]

• Got into sports industry through persistent LinkedIn outreach and cold messaging [4:57]

• Philosophy learned from coach Billy Napier: "either you win or you learn" [5:44]

• Provides education, strategic advising, and compliance guidance to institutions [8:38]

• Working with University of Miami amid John Ruiz controversy [12:05]

• New facilitation program launched with LSU, Oklahoma State, Northwestern, South Carolina, Virginia, Cincinnati [14:52]

• Institutional facilitation now allowed in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina [16:56]

• F-1 visa status prevents international students from NIL participation in US [21:18]

• Traditional endorsements, in-kind deals, appearances/camps, unique deals like NFTs and equity [25:34] 

• Camps and clinics particularly lucrative - volleyball athlete making $1,000 per weekend [30:23]

• Agent requirements vary by state - some allow parents, others require certification [34:00]

• Follower count helps but isn't everything - "everyone can eat in this space" [36:01]

• Biggest myth: thinking it's impossible to break into sports from smaller schools [43:36] 

• Importance of saying no to deals that don't align with values [44:50]

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