In this episode of NIL Edge, we sit down with Justin DiTolla, Associate AD for NIL at Cal, to break down what it actually looks like to operate an NIL and revenue share model inside a Power Four athletic department. With a background in compliance and now leading Cal’s NIL efforts, Justin offers a real-world perspective on how roles, responsibilities, and priorities have rapidly evolved.

At the center of the conversation is a major shift: NIL is no longer just education and brand-building—it’s now intertwined with revenue sharing, contract management, and cap strategy. That evolution is forcing departments to operate more like professional front offices, often without a clear blueprint.

We also explore how schools are approaching athlete education, where real NIL opportunities are coming from, and how departments are thinking about “above the cap” strategies in an increasingly competitive landscape.

What to Expect (Key Takeaways):

• Why NIL roles are evolving into full-scale front office positions, including contract negotiation and cap management
• How athlete education, branding, and revenue share are all connected in building a complete compensation model
• Where the most realistic NIL opportunities exist today—and why local businesses remain a key driver