Deion Sanders is recovering well after a major healthcare scare shook his fam and fandom alike. “God is good. You have no idea how good god has been for me to be here.” Rocking a cowboy hat and signature glasses, Coach Prime expressed gratitude on Monday, as he revealed his diagnosis- bladder cancer. Fans sighed in relief when his doctor said that he is now “cancer-free.”Now, he is bouncing back, stronger than ever, stronger for the fandom, who eagerly await his presence on the turf, as the season looms closer. His son Deion Sanders Jr.’s update, “the battle that was fought and won here,” surely lit the atmosphere at Boulder. But the victory is not limited only to Coach Prime. Colorado also got some news…

CU’s gamble to protect its future is paying off. Within a month of the new settlement being enacted, the watchdog sent letters to Division I programs over NIL deals. The crux of the issue? Valid business purpose. But new updates have been pouring in. On Thursday, July 31, the College Sports Commission (CSC) launched new guidelines related to NIL deals.

“The CSC is in the process of reviewing deals that were not cleared under the standard articulated in the prior guidance and will clear deals consistent with this revised guidance,” the memorandum stated. Earlier this month, the CSC rejected the NIL deals in which players receive money from collectives that were created just to pay the athlete and are not meant for greater public service.

“The CSC’s ‘for profit’ inquiry focuses on whether the sale of goods or services is for profit and not whether the entity is operating at a profit or a loss at any given time,” it further stated. And here comes the part that has Colorado officials overridden with joy. “In addition, an associated entity or individual can serve as a marketing agent matching student-athletes with businesses offering NIL opportunities.”

Well, while Sir Prime was away battling cancer, off the turf, the University of Colorado Athletics announced its latest ‘groundbreaking’ venture. CU NIL Collective – The Arch, which will help collaborate with local businesses and student-athletes over NIL deals. The NIL factor has gained momentum this year. Enter 2025. Judge Claudia Wilken announced the verdict in the House Settlement, allowing players to benefit and get a piece of the cash pie.  It’s the first time Colorado will share its revenue with student-athletes. In the wake of the House Settlement, Programs can share $20.5 million cap with its student-athletes, among all verticals. But football will get the major chunk as it brings in more revenue. And to streamline the process, Colorado and the Big 12 have inked a deal with PayPal for smoothly transitioning the direct payments.

But following the House settlement, Colorado needs its financial muscle to be strong. $20.5 million is a big sum. Not to forget Coach Prime’s $5 million pay. A total of $25.5 million to come up with. Even powerhouse Alabama is struggling with NIL woes. So, taking note of the recent events, the university has decided to do away with natural grass at Folsom Field, ahead of the 2025 season. Yes, they’ve been playing on natural grass since 1999- over 26 seasons. But now, they have more salaries to pay. So, turning to artificial grass is what they will do. But there’s more to that.

Folsom Field’s artificial turf will be used for more than as a football field. To churn in more revenue, the university can host musical concerts during off weeks, without damaging the turf. “As you guys know, with the way college sports are changing, they’ve got to come up with money to pay the players. And frankly, they’ve got to come up with money to pay Coach Prime,” Colorado Insider Brian Howell told 365 Sports. “Between the $20.5 million to pay the players and another $5 million a year to Coach Prime, that’s $25 million a year CU’s never had to pay before.” Well, this is not the first time the Buffs will play on artificial turf. From 1971 to 1998, they had artificial turf, even clinching the 1990 national championship trophy

What’s Colorado University’s new NIL Collective: The Arch

Aside from student-athletes raking in money from revenue share, they can ink deals with third parties as well as was the case before. So, to embrace and streamline the process, CU Athletic Director Rick George announced the latest NIL initiative, called ‘The Arch’. “In these changing times in collegiate athletics, we’ve examined a number of different ways CU can remain an industry leader, particularly in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), which is going to be an essential key to our success.”

So, what’s the deal? Well, let’s say, you are a Buff fan and also own a business, and want to connect with your favorite athlete, The Arch is your platform. It connects the student-athletes to the business community, enhancing your brand. Basically designed as a bridge between local businesses, players, and potential deals. And the means? Through sponsorships, marketing, and advertising.

Also, depending on the membership one chooses, there are additional perks. One could get access to Colorado Athletics BTS facility tours or a 10% discount on the CU Team Store. Maybe your inner fan would fancy a pair of tickets to a home non-conference football game or even an exclusive away game or postseason opportunities. Oh, wait, let’s not forget the Invitation to sport-specific practices and kickoff luncheon, among other things. And talking business? Well, up to 250,000 Run of Site impressions, shared space on game programs, and more, upscaling the visibility of your brand.

But, but, but. This venture is not just a great collaboration with local businesses. It could also be seen as a master stroke in holding the finances, with $25+ million financial chunk looming over Colorado’s head.