Kai Trump’s $1.2M NIL deals spotlight college football’s evolving athlete pay era
College sports leaders have been advocating for federal standards and guidelines regarding Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. Meanwhile, rising golf star Kai Trump, granddaughter of former President Donald Trump, has already secured partnerships with Accelerator Active Energy and TaylorMade, with her NIL value estimated at over $1.2 million.
The 2021 Supreme Court ruling paved the way for student athletes to profit from their publicity, significantly transforming collegiate football. Kai Trump, a future college athlete, has capitalised on this change, becoming one of the first to secure NIL deals. Her partnerships with prominent brands highlight the growing opportunities for student athletes in the NIL landscape.
Reports have surfaced suggesting that former President Donald Trump is contemplating issuing an executive order to address NIL standards in college football. However, as of late 2025, there is no specific public information indicating that he will do so. Legislative efforts and lawsuits around NIL rights are ongoing, but no such order has been reported.
While Kai Trump's NIL deals demonstrate the potential for student athletes to monetise their publicity, the regulatory landscape remains uncertain. College sports leaders continue to push for federal standards, and the possibility of an executive order from former President Trump adds another layer of intrigue to the evolving NIL conversation in college football.
