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We had the pleasure of interviewing Ayden Syal, the CEO and founder of MOGL, a leading name, image and likeness (NIL) software company, for the Sports Curious podcast. Join us as we delve into college athletics and the fascinating evolution of MOGL.
Unleashing the Power of Name, Image, and Likeness
Ayden Syal explains that MOGL's mission is to connect college athletes with brands and fans for monetization opportunities, such as sponsorships, endorsements, appearances and more. They also provide software solutions to universities and NIL collectives to effectively manage their NIL programs.
The Journey of MOGL and NIL
Ayden Syal takes us back to the initial days when seven states, including Georgia and Florida, passed laws enabling college athletes to monetize their name, image and likeness. In response, the NCAA made it a national mandate in July 2021 to ensure fairness across the board. MOGL was founded in 2019, well before these developments, and originally focused on connecting athletes with local businesses for sponsorships. However, the rise of collectives and university involvement expanded their scope.
Collectives: The Bridge to Athlete Support
Initially, schools were restricted from directly assisting or brokering NIL deals. However, collectives emerged as innovative entities, connecting athletes with donors, local businesses and sponsors. Universities collaborate closely with collectives to support their student-athletes, even though they are technically prohibited from directly brokering deals.
MOGL was founded by former Notre Dame classmates Ayden Syal and Brandon Wimbush, who started 16 games at Quarterback for the Fighting Irish.
The Changing Landscape and the Loopholes
As the NIL landscape evolves, Ayden explains that nonprofit collectives are transitioning to for-profit entities due to IRS regulations. This shift allows collectives to connect athletes with corporate sponsors and local businesses while donors receive exclusive membership perks and other non-tax-exempt benefits.
Recruiting, Tampering and NIL
NIL has become a powerful recruiting tool, especially in football and basketball, where discussions about collective compensation are part of the conversation. Although tampering does occur, the focus is on ensuring athletes receive fair compensation for the revenue they generate for universities, providing them with opportunities for success on and off the field.
Celebrating MOGL's Success Stories
MOGL has facilitated numerous success stories for athletes across all divisions. Notable examples include Caden Cox, the first known college athlete with Down Syndrome to appear in a football game, who collaborated with Jake Max Apparel to design a merchandise line and ultimately became the brand's face. MOGL's impact extends beyond monetary compensation, helping athletes build professional connections, podcasts and future job opportunities.
Looking Ahead: Integrative Compliance and Fan Interactions
MOGL is focused on providing compliance and operational software to universities and collectives of all divisions, ensuring equal access and opportunity for all athletes. Excitingly, they are launching a fan portal where fans can directly connect with their favorite athletes for personalized video shoutouts, appearances, autograph signings and more.
Name, Image, and Likeness in college sports go far beyond the headlines, with MOGL leading the charge in revolutionizing the industry. Equal access, opportunity, and compliance are at the forefront of their mission, transforming the lives of athletes across divisions. To learn more about MOGL and its offerings, visit their website at www.MOGL.online. Stay connected with Ayden Syal on LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter to keep up with the latest developments.
