UMaine athletes cash in on NIL deals, Orono, ME [Video]

The Bear Down Collective connects student-athletes with donors and businesses to help maximize their earnings through endorsements, appearances, and autographs.

ORONO, Maine — More student-athletes at the University of Maine are taking advantage of name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities with the help of a new organization, the Bear Down Collective.

In 2021 the NCAA ruled that student athletes can earn money through NIL deals.

Businesses and donors pay athletes to make personal appearances, sign autographs, and endorse products.

“Anytime you can find any form of passive income, that’s just consistently bringing in money, it’s really helpful,” Aidan Cadogan, a punter on UMaine’s football team, said.

Cadogan is one of many student-athletes earning money from NIL opportunities.

He started getting involved with NIL deals in 2022. Cadogan said he’s made around $400 from doing sponsored posts on social media.

And recently he’s expanded his horizons.

“Now I have my own ‘Aidan Cadogan’ merch,” he added.

The merchis sold …