It was earlier in May that hip-hop legend Snoop Dogg announced that he’ll be sponsoring the Arizona Bowl. Dogg’s announcement came after Barstool Sports had previously sponsored the postseason game between teams from the Mountain West Conference and Mid-American Conference.
We’re now hearing more on this courtesy of Brett McMurphy of Action Network. The college football insider reported on Tuesday that Snoop will reward players from both teams with name, image, likeness (NIL) deals.
“The Snoop Dogg AZ Bowl is partnering with brands that will help us be the first bowl — you hear me, the first bowl — to offer NIL money to student-athletes,” Snoop Dogg said in a statement. “We will be the first bowl to do that. Let’s go, AZ. Let’s go, NCAA. Let’s go, players.”
Related: Las Vegas Set To Host NIL-Themed College Basketball Tournament Thanksgiving Weekend
Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl Could Be A Game Changer
This past season saw 78 players opt out of bowl games to either hit the transfer portal or prepare for the 2024 NFL Draft. It has become somewhat of a major issue. That is to say, some of the biggest stars not taking part in postseason football.
By making this move, Snoop could be opening the door for other bigger bowl games to do the same thing.
“It definitely will help,” a Group of 5 AD said. “Increasing financial support for the student-athletes and increased exposure would be a great thing for our institutions.”
For his part, Snoop does think that this will be a game changer.
“Adding NIL opportunities for the student-athletes of the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl presented by Gin & Juice by Dre and Snoop is the next evolution in college sports, and we wanted to lead by example,” Snoop Dogg said. “We can’t wait to give our players the opportunity to serve the community of Tucson during bowl week while at the same time using their name, image and likeness to rightfully earn money for themselves and their families.”
We’re still highly unlikely to see top NFL Draft prospects opt-in to bowl games. It really is going to be all about what the value of the NIL deals are. Either way, this could revolutionize collegiate athletics.
More about:NFL