'Yea Alabama' Executive Director Jay McPhillips on The Joe Gaither Show | Episode 72: Aug. 31, 2023

The college athletics world was thrown on its head when name, image and likeness became legal two years ago, let's dig into how the University of Alabama is utilizing the concept to benefit the student-athletes.

"Yea Alabama" launched in February as the official name, image and likeness collective for the University of Alabama. On the Thursday edition of "The Joe Gaither Show on BamaCentral" we welcome Executive Director Jay McPhillips to tell the audience what the collective is all about.

McPhillips explains legal hurdles that prevent them from disclosing information about each athlete's agreements and where and how the money is being divided. However, the executive director did give great detail as to what happens on the back-end when an athlete is approached by a company or potential advertiser.

There are several hundred scholarship athletes at the University of Alabama and countless others involved in adapted athletics and club sports. McPhillips reveals how many of these athletes have their own agents to broker agreements and build their brand, for the remaining athletes, that's where "Yea Alabama" steps in. 

The entity is available to review contracts, negotiate fair-value and connect prospective clients with student-athletes that align with their mission. Additionally the entity can help coordinate schedules on behalf of the athletes due to the strenuous nature of balancing athletic, academic and social responsibilities.

 Our host lamented in an earlier episode that the "Yea Alabama" product didn't return enough tangible value, however, McPhillips was able to successfully redirect our focus to the joy Alabama fans feel after winning a national championship, and the hunger that's set in to win championships in other sports.

How much would you pay to see the Crimson Tide in the Final Four in basketball? Or to retake the college football crown from the University of Georgia? 

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See Also:

Former Alabama LB Darren Mustin on The Joe Gaither Show | Episode 71: Aug. 30, 2023