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WWE announces first NIL class of 15 collegiate athletes

By Raphael Garcia

ST LOUIS, MO - MARCH 20: AJ Ferrari of Oklahoma State celebrates after beating Nino Bonaccorsi in the 197lb weight class in the first-place match during the NCAA Division I Men's Wrestling Championship at the Enterprise Center on March 20, 2021 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)
ST LOUIS, MO - MARCH 20: AJ Ferrari of Oklahoma State celebrates after beating Nino Bonaccorsi in the 197lb weight class in the first-place match during the NCAA Division I Men's Wrestling Championship at the Enterprise Center on March 20, 2021 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) /
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Last week the WWE announced that it is launching a NIL (Next in Line) program that will boost the organization’s talent development via the opportunity to sign collegiate stars. News broke on Wednesday of fifteen standouts that were announced for the program.

The list of fifteen men and women will join Olympic Gold Medalist, Gable Steveson as the first recruits to join this program. The list of signees includes:

  • Carlos Aviles – Track & Field from Ohio State University
  • Haley Cavinder – Basketball from Fresno State University
  • Hanna Cavinder – Basketball from Fresno State University
  • A.J. Ferrari – Wrestling from Oklahoma State University
  • Lexi Gordon – Basketball from Duke University
  • Aleeya Hutchins – Track & Field from Wake Forest University
  • John Krahn – Football from Portland State University
  • Glen Logan – Football from LSU
  • Isaac Odugbesan – Football from University of Alabama
  • Mason Parris – Wrestling from University of Michigan
  • Masai Russel – Track & Field from University of Kentucky
  • Jon Seaton – Football from Elon University
  • Joe Spivak – Football from Northwestern University
  • Dalton Wagner – Football from University of Arkansas
  • Riley White – Track & Field from University of Alabama

The NIL program allows for college athletes to monetize their name, image, and likeness – a large step away from historical NCAA rulings that prohibited such actions. These signees will have access to the WWE Performance Center and additional resources including brand building, media training, and more. At the end of the NIL program, they may earn an exclusive opportunity for a WWE contract.

WWE has a long history of creating superstars from former collegiate superstars with individuals like Kurt Angle, The Rock, Roman Reigns, John Cena, Bianca Belair, and many others taking part in college sports.

For more news about the WWE, the NIL program, and more in wrestling, stick with Daily DDT.

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