American Football Player to Receive Part of Salary in Bitcoin

Promising college football player Matai Tagovailoa has agreed to receive payments in Bitcoin under a contract with the University of Southern California (USC).

The athlete has allowed USC to use his “name, image, and likeness” in exchange for undisclosed compensation. Part of the payment will be made in the leading cryptocurrency via the Strike app. In similar cases, other football players have received up to $4.7 million.

Such NIL deals are a standard practice in college sports in the United States, providing athletes with compensation beyond scholarships.

“This is a turning point for me. By taking part of my NIL earnings in Bitcoin, I am setting myself up for long-term financial growth,” noted Tagovailoa.

The contract was signed as part of a partnership between Strike, the athlete, the university, and talent agency 3Point0 Labs.

“This deal is not just about NIL payments; it aims to educate athletes about the power of Bitcoin and give them the opportunity to control their financial future,” stated 3Point0 Labs founder and CEO Markel Martin.

In addition to Tagovailoa, Saquon Barkley and Russell Okung, both two-time Pro Bowl titleholders, receive salaries through Strike.

Earlier in January, cryptocurrency firms abstained from advertising during the 2024 Super Bowl broadcast.