07/14/26 03:51:00
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07/14 12:56 CDT Kickoff Game announces 'multimillion dollar' NIL deal with
Auburn before opener against Baylor
Kickoff Game announces 'multimillion dollar' NIL deal with Auburn before opener
against Baylor
By CHARLES ODUM
AP Sports Writer
ATLANTA (AP) --- The Aflac Kickoff Game on Tuesday announced a name, image and
likeness deal with Auburn leading up to the Tigers' game against Baylor on
Sept. 5.
The Peach Bowl and the Kickoff Game say the deal is worth "multimillion"
dollars and marks the first time a neutral-site college football game has
incorporated NIL compensation for student-athletes.
The NIL agreement also will involve third-party entities. According to the
announcement, as many as two dozen Auburn student-athletes will promote the
game through social media posts, public appearances, advertisements, in-game
promotions and branding opportunities.
"In the new NIL era of college football, this will be an innovative way to
create wins for the teams, programs and student-athletes," said Peach Bowl Inc.
CEO David Epps in a statement.
"This new model is a true win-win scenario where Auburn and its
student-athletes get a financial boost in the NIL space. At the same time, it's
a potential game changer for neutral-site games like ours who want to bring
added value to participating teams and make it a more attractive and lucrative
opportunity."
Auburn opened its 2025 season with a 38-24 win at Baylor. This year's rematch
originally was scheduled as an Auburn home game. The teams agreed to move the
game to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, also the home of the NFL's Atlanta Falcons and
the Peach Bowl.
The Kickoff Game is the nation's longest-running neutral-site game and will be
televised by ABC at 3:30 p.m. EDT.
Auburn will be making its fourth appearance in the Kickoff Game. It will be
Baylor's first appearance.
Peach Bowl Inc. operates the Peach Bowl as well as the Kickoff Game.
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