Nebraska Athletics hires university’s first-ever NIL director

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Nebraska Athletics will now have an in-house name, image and likeness director.

In a press release Tuesday, officials named Jonathan Bateman as the Huskers’ assistant athletic director for NIL strategy and governance.

Officials say Nebraska is “one of just a handful” of athletic departments in the country to have a position dedicated to NIL.

“I’m thankful to Trev Alberts for the opportunity and excited to continue working with Nebraska student-athletes, staff, and stakeholders in the evolving NIL space,” Bateman said in the release.

Bateman has been with Nebraska since 2011, most recently serving as the associate director of compliance.

“As college athletics continues to undergo substantial change, it’s important that we have the pulse on all aspects of the landscape,” he said. “It’s our goal that the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will continue to play a leading role in the next iteration of college athletics.”

Nebraska also extended its partnership with Altius Sports Partners, an NIL advisory and education firm.

“It is important that we continue to proactively support our student-athletes’ ability to monetize their NIL,” Athletic Director Trev Alberts said. “Our commitment to current and prospective student-athletes will not change; our staff will have a clear plan and vision for success now and in the future.”

Excited to announce today the hire of Jonathan Bateman as our Assistant Athletic Director for NIL Strategy & Governance.

Bateman will serve as Nebraska’s first ever in-house Director of Name, Image and Likeness.

In addition – we’ve extended our partnership with @AltiusPartners… pic.twitter.com/Y7OrBRxjFQ

— Nebraska Huskers (@Huskers) May 2, 2023