By Derek Stewart The NIL Era Has Changed Everything The debate surrounding NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals and the transfer portal has completely changed the way fans view college athletics. Every day, sports fans compare college football and college basketball to professional leagues like the NFL and NBA. While there are similarities, one fact remains true: College athletics is not professional sports. For decades, college sports were built around a different model. Un

Are today’s athletes becoming celebrities before becoming champions? This DC Stewart Media Group debate explores how NIL deals, social media fame, podcasts, and modern celebrity culture may be changing the focus of athletes in the NFL, NBA, and college sports in 2026.