How NIL Deals are Impacting Athletes Futures
As we enter the new golf year of 2025, NIL deals are increasingly influencing golfers' abilities to grow their brands for a life beyond the sport. A prime example of this is Maddie Fleck.
According to the article, Maddie has over 16,000 followers on TikTok and a large following on Instagram. Most recently, she was selected for the NCAA x Meta NIL Empower Program. Her participation in this initiative has led to measurable success, setting an example for athletes aspiring to build careers in sports media. Since joining the program, Fleck's Instagram following has grown by 18%, reflecting her improved strategies for timing, engagement, and audience connection.
Through her impressive work in the NIL Empower Program and her consistent efforts to grow her social media presence, Fleck has secured numerous partnerships, including deals with the shoe brand VKTRY and Bad Birdie, a golf apparel brand.
Recently, Maddie spoke about the importance of building a personal brand and the broader impact this could have on women's golf in the future, stating:
"Navigating NIL opportunities as a college athlete has been an exciting and rewarding journey. It’s amazing to see the opportunities that are now available, allowing myself and fellow athletes to build our personal brands while competing at the next level. I’m grateful for the chances I have to partner with brands that align with my values and to be part of this new era in college sports. It has been such a blessing to take advantage of these opportunities and grow both on and off the course."
As the season progresses, college golfers can look to Fleck’s journey as an example of how to build their platform and leverage their voice to secure the types of deals they want.
Sources: NCAA
