Howard & 360 NIL Group Offer a Purpose-Driven NIL Blueprint in a Post-House NCAA Landscape

The landscape of college athletics has been permanently altered, and it’s about time. With the House v. NCAA settlement finalized, schools can directly pay student-athletes for the first time in history, ushering in a $2.8 billion shift in power, policy, and practice.

Starting July 1, 2025, institutions may allocate up to $20.5 million annually to support athlete compensation, and third-party NIL deals face heightened regulatory scrutiny. This marks a seismic move away from the NCAA’s amateur athletics model and leaves universities rethinking how to structure NIL in this new era.

While many schools scramble, Howard University is charting its own path, one rooted in purpose. Through its newly launched partnership with the 360 NIL Group, led by higher education leader and Name, Image & Likeness attorney, Dr. Gregory Vincent, Howard is building a mission-aligned NIL model that prioritizes community, leadership development, and long-term athlete success.

As institutions face mounting pressure to get NIL “right,” Howard’s approach offers a compelling, values-driven design.

Name, Image & Likeness: New Rules, New Risks

Under the new model, universities can distribute up to $20.5 million to student-athletes annually. Still, they must also ensure every dollar, internal or through third-party deals, meets a “valid business purpose” and falls within a fair market range. Any outside NIL agreement exceeding $600 must now pass through a centralized NIL clearinghouse, with enforcement oversight led by the newly formed College Sports Commission and an auditor.

Traditional donor-led collectives, once the backbone of NIL fundraising, now face regulatory pressure and legal ambiguity. As Ohio State Athletic Director Ross Bjork put it in a Columbus Dispatch article, “The collective model of just paying an athlete… without any quid pro quo… cannot go forward.”

Schools Must Now Choose

In this new regulatory environment, universities face a critical decision: centralize NIL operations under direct institutional control, as Ohio State has with its in-house Buckeye Sports Group, or pursue a different framework that facilitates legal compliance while adhering to their distinct values and mission.

Howard University’s NIL Framework: Values in Action

Howard University’s approach to NIL aims to accomplish precisely that. At the heart of this model is the Mecca Society, an alumni-powered collective dedicated to advancing scholar-athletes through NIL opportunities, leadership development, and community engagement. In June 2025, Howard formalized its partnership with the 360 NIL Group to launch a purpose-driven NIL program rooted in equity, education, and long-term sustainability.

The rollout began with a high-impact fundraising campaign to activate alumni, donors, and corporate partners to support athlete empowerment directly. This lays the foundation for a broader, multi-year infrastructure, education, and engagement strategy.

As Mecca Society board member Eric Grant said, “Partnering with the 360 NIL Group enhances our ability to move swiftly and strategically. This is about building a stronger future for Howard Athletics and for the leaders our student-athletes are becoming.” In contrast to quick-turnaround collective deals, Howard’s framework builds momentum through purpose and positions NIL as an extension of its institutional mission.

Why This NIL Model Matters Now

Post-House v. NCAA, NIL issues have shifted from opportunity to obligation. Schools can no longer rely on informal booster collectives or loosely structured partnerships. Every NIL dollar must be defensible, rooted in a legitimate purpose, aligned with fair market value, and compliant with the new oversight standards set by the College Sports Commission. This moment demands institutional accountability as well as innovation.

By embedding NIL strategy within its broader educational mission and executing it through a legally grounded, community-powered structure. Howard is not just checking regulatory boxes; it’s setting a standard.

The 360 NIL Group’s involvement ensures that every engagement, contract, and dollar flows through a documented, transparent process. This positions Howard ahead of the compliance curve while reinforcing its reputation as a university that leads with values. That clarity is essential in an era of increased scrutiny and public pressure.

A Blueprint for Purpose-Driven NIL Strategy

As colleges nationwide navigate the post-House era, Howard University’s NIL model offers a replicable framework for institutions seeking more than just regulatory compliance, particularly for HBCUs, Division II/III programs, and community-rooted institutions looking to stay competitive without compromising their identity.

The strategy is practical and replicable for institutions building sustainable, ethical NIL programs. Key components include:

• Move Beyond Transactions -Shift the focus from short-term deals to long-term athlete development and institutional impact.
• Prioritize Holistic Support – Center NIL efforts on leadership, education, and personal growth, not just compensation.
• Engage Alumni and Corporate Partners – Activate stakeholders as mission-aligned contributors, not just financial backers.
• Align NIL with Institutional Values – Ensure every deal supports the school’s brand, culture, and educational mission.
• Build Compliance into the Design – Structure all agreements to meet fair market value standards and stand up to regulatory scrutiny.

As Howard men’s basketball coach Kenneth Blakeney put it, “At Howard, we develop the whole student-athlete.”

For schools concerned with legal exposure, donor fatigue, or shifting NCAA policies, this values-based approach offers a path that is principled, practical, and built to last.

Lead with Integrity, Instill NIL Confidence with Gregory J. Vincent Law

The House v. NCAA settlement has transformed college athletics. For institutions navigating this evolving landscape, Howard University’s partnership with the 360 NIL Group is a model of what’s possible. Rooted in purpose and executed with precision, Howard’s approach proves that NIL can serve more than recruitment goals. It can also reinforce institutional values, engage alums, and develop leaders on and off the field.

Partnering with a national leader like Dr. Gregory Vincent is wise for building a values-aligned NIL strategy. As co-founder of the 360 NIL Group and founder of Gregory J. Vincent Law, Dr. Vincent is at the forefront of NIL law and brings over 35 years of legal and higher education experience to help institutions design legally sound, strategically sustainable, and mission-focused programs.