Yea Alabama launches as preferred NIL collective of Crimson Tide athletics

Yea Alabama has launched as the NIL collective for Crimson Tide athletics, with the backing of football coach Nick Saban and athletic director Greg Byrne.

It’s a decisive move for Alabama athletics. While High Tide Traditions launched this past April as the inaugural collective in the Tuscaloosa market, it has been phased out. This is the first time the full power of the Alabama brand has been put behind an NIL-driven organization.

As the official collective of Alabama athletics, the organization describes itself as an, “entity established to cultivate and harness name, image, and likeness opportunities for Alabama student-athletes.”

Yea Alabama will have a three-pronged approach. Individuals who want to make tax-deductible contributions can contribute to Walk of Champions, a registered 501(c)3.

Fans will be able to join as subscribers, ranging from $18 to $150 monthly options. On the entity’s website it states 100% of Yea Alabama subscriptions will go to the athletes.

Tuscaloosa businesses will also be given the opportunity to join the cause, as Yea Alabama plans to help facilitate endorsement deals with athletes.

“I have always believed that our players should have the chance to benefit from their name, image and likeness,” Saban said in a statement. “Yea Alabama is an exciting new resource to help Crimson Tide student-athletes create value for themselves through a variety of NIL opportunities.

“The Alabama brand is one of the most powerful in sports, and our partnership with Yea Alabama provides exposure for our athletes that is unmatched in college athletics.”

An FAQ on the collective’s website clearly states a contract for NIL compensation cannot stipulate an athlete must compete or attend Alabama. While the NCAA has not yet publicly gone after a school for recruiting inducements, it has made known that it has started investigations.

Alabama embraces role of NIL collectives

The importance of NIL collectives in college sports has become apparent in the past 18 months. Collectives have surfaced at nearly every Division I school. And the word collective, which has no ulterior meaning, has become synonymous with name, image and likeness.

The race is to stockpile the most cash to distribute to current players so recruits know what they can make once they enroll at the college. These organizations have also placed an emphasis on roster retention. Striking agreements has been key in some situations to ensuring athletes do not leave for the portal.

Yea Alabama will fill that void for Alabama, working with the backing of the Tide.

“Yea Alabama’s approach is both cutting edge and sustainable in an ever-changing NIL environment,” Byrne said. “Having one platform that allows supporters, subscribers and businesses a place to engage is so beneficial. This is another way for every ‘Bama fan to get behind our student-athletes, and we fully support Yea Alabama.”

Nick Saban has been open since the NCAA’s NIL Era began about his feelings. He supports athletes being able to turn a profit. But he has also openly expressed his frustration.

He called out Texas A&M and Jimbo Fisher for buying every player in the 2022 recruiting class back in May. Fisher defended himself with a tirade aimed directly at the legendary college football coach. The Aggies coach later said only one of Texas A&M’s early enrollees currently have an NIL deal. 

Speaking at the Alabama Football Coaches Association convention last weekend, Saban reportedly said a former starter requested $500,000 or he would be headed for the portal.

Alabama’s new NIL entity will be able to provide attractive opportunities off the field for athletes across the athletic department.