Since they began in 2021, name, image and likeness (NIL) agreements have brought millions of dollars to college athletes. More than half a billion dollars in the first eight months of 2026 alone, according to data from the College Sports Commission. In 2025, the National Collegiate Athletic Association started allowing universities to pay athletes directly for the first time, adding to student-athlete income.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Helping NC State athletes learn to manage that money was on Poole finance professor Mark Walker\u2019s mind when he became department head in 2025. The average 18- or 19-year-old hasn\u2019t had much exposure to the basics of money management, he says, and that knowledge becomes particularly valuable for athletes receiving substantial amounts of money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNC State has an obligation to these student-athletes,\u201d Walker says. \u201cThey\u2019re bringing a tremendous amount of value to the university. They keep alumni connected. Young people want to go to universities that are competitive in high-profile sports.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the same time, NC State Athletics leaders were thinking about the same things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe biggest advantage our athletes have right now is the time that they have,\u201d says Raymond Harrison, senior associate athletic director for student development and strategic partnerships. \u201cIf they can maximize what they learned to create something for themselves long term, that\u2019s one of the most important pieces we can give them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Harrison and Walker\u2019s trains of thought linked up, leading to the Financial Game Plan<\/strong>, an offseason training program to help these elite athletes build their money skills. For four weeks in July, NC State athletes from every varsity sport learned the basics of tax planning, budgeting, investing and more from Poole professors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n