Exceptionally creative, gone too far, or somewhere in between?
Money is undeniably a key factor in college sports, particularly given the increasing influence of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. Programs focus on securing financial backing to attract and retain top talents.
Saudi Arabia, known for its immense wealth, especially in sports, has the economic power to impact any program significantly. So, Colorado’s special teams coach traveled to Saudi Arabia to secure NIL funds for the football program.
Although unconventional, sending a coach to the Middle East to secure funding underscores the growing importance of NIL in college sports. Schools like Colorado are under immense pressure to stay competitive, and in this case, they appear willing to go to great lengths—even to Saudi Arabia.
While securing Saudi funding might seem audacious, others aren’t so sure. While the coach was certainly innovative and certainly creative, questions still abound. In the end, though, he could not secure the funds, and he left the CU program soon thereafter.
Coach Sanders has undoubtedly brought new excitement and attention to Colorado football, and this effort is another chapter in an evolving story.
