Matai Tagoa’i, one of the nation’s most promising college football players and a 2025 Polynesian Bowl All-Star, has signed a groundbreaking NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deal with the University of Southern California (USC). What sets this deal apart is Tagoa’i’s decision to receive a portion of his earnings in Bitcoin through the payments app Strike, as announced in a statement shared with Bitcoin.com.
Advancing the NIL Era with Bitcoin
NCAA rules have forbade collegiate players from profite off their image, but the 2021 policy change opened rich prospects through NIL agreements. Although Tagoa’s i’s contract’s precise terms are yet unknown, NIL agreements often range from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars.
Tagoa’si adds to the growing number of sportsmen using Strike to turn pay into Bitcoin. Especially well-known is former Carolina Panthers offensive tackle Russell Okung’s 2020 Bitcoin conversion of half of his $13 million contract. Tagoa’si, eighteen, now wants to do likewise.
For me, this is a game-changer. “I’m laying myself up for long-term financial growth by investing part of my NIL earnings in Bitcoin.” He also underlined his wish to use this creative method to motivate other young sportsmen.
Athletic Financial Literacy and Stability
Marquel Martin, CEO and creator of talent management company 3Point0 Labs, who has experience bringing athletes into the crypto space, helped to negotiate the agreement. Martin effectively oversaw the NFT debut for UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in 2022.
“Too many athletes struggle financially following their careers,” Martin said. “We think Bitcoin provides a road towards steady growth and stability over long run.”
This attitude is consistent with alarming data from a 2009 Sports Illustrated story showing that although 60% of NBA players experience similar difficulties five years after leaving the game, 78% of former NFL players suffer financial trouble or insolvency after retirement.
Bitcoin as an Anti-Inflation Hedge
Strike’s CEO, Jack Mallers, emphasised how important Bitcoin is in helping to offset financial uncertainty. “Inflation is eroding the value of cash; traditional saving methods simply don’t cut it anymore,” Mallers said. “Bitcoin is the first asset meant to combat inflation and offer a solution. Adopting this will help you to raise your standard of living.
Tagoa’s choice to embrace Bitcoin marks a change in how sportsmen handle financial preparation as he sets off on his collegiate football adventure, therefore perhaps establishing a new benchmark for the NIL age.
