The landscape of college sports is evolving rapidly.
In 2021, the NCAA’s board of directors overturned the organization’s long-standing rules that had previously barred student-athletes from profiting off their names, images and likeness (NIL).
Initially, this reversal seemed to be yet another factor separating Power Five schools from the rest of the Division I field. Athletes at these institutions would gain unparalleled access to lucrative endorsement opportunities, positioning them to capitalize on financial prospects that other schools are unable to offer. This financial advantage would enable these elite athletic universities to further solidify their dominance across all sports, stemming from effectively attracting and retaining the most exceptional talent.
However, while Power Five schools continue to expand their supremacy in collegiate sports — aided by NIL — the policy has also provided mid-major institutions with a viable opportunity to compete for a fraction of the available talent.
It is important to note that NIL’s current impact is most pronounced in football and basketball. Vermont from the America East Conference — Stony Brook’s former home before joining the Coastal Athletic Association — won the 2024 Division I men’s soccer national championship.
However, this victory represents a shift more closely tied to the growing influx of international players in college soccer — seven of Vermont’s starters in the title match alongside the two goal scorers, who came off the bench, are non-Americans — rather than NIL’s influence. Nevertheless, it is inevitable that the two forces will converge in the near future to continue shaping the future of college athletics.
Regarding NIL’s significance, the Stony Brook’s men’s basketball team underwent a roster overhaul in the preceding offseason. With the departure of four starters and their sixth man, the Seawolves turned to the transfer portal to bolster a depleted roster.
“How I’m reading how the college basketball landscape is, how the transfer portal is, it most certainly looks like these students and these kids now, are playing at a school for one or two years and then they’re entering the portal right away to see if there is a better opportunity for themselves and their families elsewhere,” CR97 Fund Founder and President Tommy Zasowski said in an interview with The Statesman. “I personally believe that NIL is causing these students to go to different schools and do what’s best for them.”
The CR97 Fund plays a key role in making Stony Brook an attractive destination for players in the transfer portal. Together with The 1957 Club, the initiative creates valuable financial opportunities for Seawolves athletes.
“In order for the player to get paid, they could do something with a local business,” Zasowski said. “They would just have to share a story or advertise for the business, so we’re able to actually pay that player legally. The player has to provide a service.”
The CR97 Fund generates the funds needed to support student-athletes through its membership service. It offers six tiers, ranging from $9.99 to $900 a month, with member benefits varying based on the chosen level. While The 1957 Club supports all Stony Brook players, the CR97 Fund is dedicated specifically to the men’s basketball program.
“The more memberships we get, the more money we get,” Zasowski said. “I know we’re in-season right now, but we’re already looking forward to next season. March and April, technically right around the corner, and I’m sure the portal is going to explode again. We can maybe start looking at even better talent than we already have.”
The Seawolves’ rough start to their 2024-25 campaign may foreshadow another eventful offseason, one likely dominated by activity in the transfer portal. Potential contributors are likely to be enticed by the financial prospects afforded to them while competing in college basketball, with these opportunities provided within Stony Brook’s realm through the CR97 Fund and The 1957 Club.
