LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — UNLV is working to stay competitive in college athletics as the NCAA continues to implement changes around name, image and likeness compensation and the transfer portal.
Athletic Director Eric Harper discussed the challenges facing the university as it competes for student-athletes in an evolving landscape where schools now have more direct control over paying players.
“It is every day. There are changes every day,” FOX5 sports reporter Paloma said.
On April 3, President Trump signed an order aimed at adding more rules and regulation around the transfer portal and creating more structure for college athletics going forward.
Navigating NIL and transfer rules
The NCAA versus House settlement now gives UNLV more control over directly paying student-athletes. The changes come after years of schools relying on third parties for donor money and NIL deals.
“About two years ago, UNLV and different colleges, you know, their hands were tied. It was all third parties that the schools were using for donors and all this money,” Paloma said.
The shift has created new challenges for coaches who are essentially building new teams each year as players transfer more frequently.
“I give a lot of credit to these coaches that are building a brand new team every single year,” Paloma said.
The changes have also led to unprecedented situations, including players leaving teams mid-season. About two years ago, UNLV starting quarterback Matt Sluka left three games into the season over an NIL dispute.
“Now you have athletes leaving in the middle of the season, which is just… you haven’t seen that before,” Paloma said.
Competing as a non-power conference school
UNLV faces unique challenges as a Mountain West Conference school competing against power conference programs with deeper pockets and longer fundraising histories.
“It’s hard because UNLV is not Alabama. It’s not an SEC. Where they’ve had hundreds of years of money,” Paloma said.
However, the university believes its Las Vegas location provides advantages other Mountain West schools don’t have.
“Being here in Las Vegas, they feel like they are a big brand. They are a big school. It is Las Vegas,” Paloma said.
Harper has maintained a visible presence at major sporting events, including the national championship and Super Bowl, to promote the UNLV brand. The 49ers practiced at UNLV facilities during the Super Bowl.
“Eric Harper, he’s present at every major event, the national championship, the Super Bowl. He’s very active in our community,” Paloma said.
Despite the city’s wealth, UNLV faces fundraising challenges compared to schools with large, established alumni donor bases.
“It’s funny that we even say, oh, there’s a donor issue because there are some deep pockets in this city,” Paloma said. “So, I think that’s what UNLV is trying to do is continue to market the brand of UNLV.”
The financial disparities have become more apparent in postseason play.
“You come to March Madness, you know, you look at the teams that are in March Madness. It comes down to what school has the most money,” Paloma said. “What school has the most money? That’s the school that’s going to get the best players. That’s the school that’s going to win the national championship.”
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