Michigan NIL money cannon finally loading – ‘everyone on board, a lot of positive momentum’

HOUSTON — We’ve said it many times here over the last several years — Michigan NIL hasn’t been good enough. While a few were carrying most of the water to help create opportunities for U-M student-athletes and the collectives (Champions Circle, in particular) were working their tails off to get it where it should be, it’s fallen woefully short … 

Until now. 

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This year’s campaign has essentially been one of desperation. Other schools have been trying to tamper with the Michigan players (“not just juniors and seniors, but underclassmen,” one source involved told us today), and that meant the Championship Circle had to get word out quickly. They made it part of their “Those Who Stay” campaign, in fact, sounding the alarms. They started what amounted to a grassroots campaign with a goal of $1 million from fans, with other donors promising matches, and they’re closing in on it. 

Moreover, Michigan president Santa Ono and athletic director Warde Manuel have been meeting with some of U-M’s most influential donors — last week in Los Angeles and at least twice this week in Houston — and prioritized their funding go toward the U-M NIL program. That had been a sticking point for a while, but no more.  

“With all this momentum and what we’re looking at for 2024, there’s a total goal of at least 8 to 10 million dollars we want to raise for the year,” one source involved said today. “That comes from us looking at collectives around the country, what we did last year, what we feel we need to stay competitive in this landscape and keep players.”

They’ve raised $600,000 from the crowdfunding effort and will “easily hit $1 million” if the current pace keeps up, the source said. But he cautioned that the latter part is important — they still need folks to get on board, and donors have promised to match even more. Here’s the link for those still interested: 

CONTRIBUTE TO THOSE WHO STAY CAMPAIGN

But beyond that, Champions Circle has already earned $3 million from the latest push — in just 8 days — with the Michigan administration having made it a priority. That’s put them halfway to the bottom end of their goal, and given the football program’s recent success, they believe they can exceed their numbers.

There was another event schedule with the major donors today in Houston in which they hoped to rake in even more, riding the wave of momentum from the National Championship Game appearance. 

“We’re halfway to the goal, and to be there on Jan. 8 is crazy. It’s just been a ton of positive momentum,” the source said. “There are lots of reasons for the momentum — obviously, the football team’s success, but there’s a lot more support coming from Santa and Warde than ever there’s ever been. Yesterday at the donor event for the athletic department, both made pitches to donors endorsing Champions Circle.

“In the past, it was supported here and there. But the real pitch to the largest donors was a next-level thing. It’s been very, very powerful. It’s been a long road, but everybody we feel is finally aligned. The Michigan money cannon is opening up.”

Now, they can approach all the players with new opportunities to earn from the fund with their Name, Image, and Likeness knowing they have the financial support needed. There are no guarantees, of course, but junior quarterback J.J. McCarthy, running back Donovan Edwards, edges Braiden McGregor and Jaylen Harrell, safety Rod Moore, and so many more will be approached after the game in an effort to make it worth their while to stay. 

“We’re in a good spot, and it comes just at the right time, because make no mistake — other schools, even top rivals, are targeting our players,” the source said. “That includes some key sophomores from the team.”

Some of their decisions will likely depend on what happens in tonight’s game and with head coach Jim Harbaugh, of course. He’s been linked to several NFL openings and has an agent in Don Yee who works with many NFL clients. 

But others are looking for reasons to stay, our source said. What has happened in the first week of the year, and what they hope continues for the rest of the month and beyond, can go a long way toward making that happen.