It’s no secret that Syracuse Athletics hasn’t run the tightest ship when it comes to NIL. Everything from losing players to broken donor relationships has come raining down on the Orange. But today, maybe, just maybe, Syracuse did something the right way.
Tuesday evening, the Syracuse Men’s Basketball team held its summer slam event, with a three-point and dunk contest helping showcase new members of the program. The event, run by prominent ‘Cuse booster Vinny Lobdell, sold out 300 tickets, according to syracuse.com.
Fans were able to meet the players, watch the star-studded event (which included former NBA players Spud Webb and Dee Brown as dunk judges), and help raise money for NIL and local charities.
While the Fizz was unfortunately not at the event, social media coverage of the event showed a great atmosphere (and some great dunks).
Is this event going to raise millions of dollars? No. But it is an idea of what NIL can (and maybe should) be at Syracuse. Fans get to interact with players while also supporting the program.
I mean who doesn’t want to see Nate Kingz chucking up threes and William Kyle jamming down dunks in a barnhouse without there being the pressure of an opponent? This writer certainly would love to see it.
It’s all about being creative. Of course there will always be rich alumni who are funneling in lots of moneys to the athletic program and new NIL events keep popping up. But what can move SU’s NIL collectives from good to great is getting more and more fans involved.
Making events like these even less exclusive and more often helps fan get connected with the team, in turn raising more money. And that is only going to help Syracuse retain and gain talent.
But tonight was a great first step. Good job Syracuse.
