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Zach Edey: Lost Opportunity for NIL Earnings
Purdue Boilermakers standout center Zach Edey, known for his dominance in the paint and at the free-throw line, finds himself unable to capitalize on significant NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities due to his Canadian nationality.
The 7-foot-4 senior, following another impressive season that earned him the AP National Player of the Year for the second consecutive time, is hindered by restrictions imposed on international students in the United States. Specifically, as an F-1 visa holder, Edey is prohibited from benefiting directly from his name, image, or likeness, as international students cannot be compensated while on a student visa.
In light of his circumstances, which have prevented him from reaping the financial rewards available to his American counterparts, Edey has advocated for a change in the prevailing rules and regulations governing NIL earnings for international students.
Reflecting on his predicament, Edey shared his sentiments during an interview with NJ Advance Media, expressing his disappointment at the missed opportunities: “I obviously have lost out on a lot of money this year.”
Notably, while international students are not entirely precluded from earning income, they are limited to engaging in “passive” revenue-generating activities, such as jersey sales or licensing agreements for products like EA Sports video games. However, these avenues typically represent a minor fraction of the overall NIL profits available to most student-athletes.
Recognizing the constraints imposed by his visa status, Daps, an NIL company collaborating with Edey, has launched a limited edition of 150 Edey trading cards for fans to bid on. This initiative falls within the bounds of permissible NIL activities as it is classified as passive income, with Edey not actively involved in promotional efforts or contractual agreements.
When contemplating his future plans, Edey expressed his intent to explore additional avenues for earning revenue when back in Toronto, where he can partake in activities such as jersey sales to generate passive income. However, the limitations imposed by his visa status prevent him from engaging in more proactive ventures, such as filming commercials while in West Lafayette.
The contrasting fortunes of Edey and players like N.C. State’s D.J. Burns Jr., who have been able to capitalize significantly on NIL opportunities, underscore the challenges faced by international student-athletes navigating the complex landscape of collegiate athletics in the United States.
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