In NIL case, judge's decision about 'associated entities' will loom large in college spending

A federal magistrate heard arguments Wednesday over whether multimedia rights companies that represent university athletic departments are subject to the same rules governing millions in thid party name-image-likeness payments to players that are reshaping college sports. Magistrate Nathanael Cousins said he could rule on the matter brought by plaintiffs' attorneys in the landmark House settlement by next week. Many schools work with MMRs to act as the marketing arms for their athletic departments and arrange third-party NIL deals with athletes.