The Arkansas basketball program’s team consisted of only two returning players when John Calipari took over in the spring of 2024. The rebuilding of the roster didn’t just involve recruiting talent—it also involved raising money in the name, image, and likeness (NIL) era. Calipari discovered that he made more calls to boosters and business partners than to prospects and transfers.
An injury to walk-on reshaped the business side of college basketball Lawson Blake early in his tenure.
“What if we had just given him a million dollars and then he got injured?” Calipari wondered. “How would you go back to that person and ask for more money?”
Calipari discovered a growing problem he referred to as ‘booster fatigue’ in an age where NIL deals and collective contributions can amount to millions.
Supporters run the risk of losing a significant amount of money if a player is injured and can’t play. Calipari’s solution? “Booster insurance.”
The concept was brought to life by a company named 32 Group that was co-founded by Travis Long, who played Caliper for Memphis, and Steve Stelmach.
Schools, collectives, and businesses that fund NIL and revenue-sharing deals are insured by the New York-based firm, which is supported by Lloyd’s of London. Calipari is not a participant in the decision-making process—he is merely a customer.
The 32 Group covers roughly 3% of a player’s NIL contract. If a player makes $1 million, the insurance premium is $30,000. The paying entity, whether it be the school, a collective, or a booster, will get its money refunded if the athlete suffers a season-ending injury before January 15. Injuries occurring between January 15 and February 15 will result in a 50% payout. The idea assures that donors’ contributions are not wasted, provides peace of mind, and motivates ongoing support.
“People who are rich enough to be a part of this are rich for a reason,” Calipari said. “They don’t throw their money away. This protects the donor.”
Despite the flow of billions through NIL and direct revenue-sharing deals across college sports, it was a glaring oversight that the absence of such insurance was not included. According to reports, there are other programs that are looking into similar coverage now. Calipari always stays ahead by combining his recruiting skills with innovative business strategies. In today’s college sports landscape, protecting donor investments may be more significant than protecting the players themselves.
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