More on WWE’s New NIL Talent Recruitment Program

As noted before, WWE recently launched a new talent recruitment program called “Next In Line” that primarily targets college athletes interested in a future career in wrestling. The company also recently revealed their inaugural class of signees for this new program.

Dave Meltzer reported in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter that his sources stated that the inspiration for WWE’s new NIL program came from their talks with Gable Steveson that led to him signing a deal with the company. These same sources also stated that Stevenson’s deal is unique and not the actual framework for deals made under WWE’s NIL program.

In terms of monetary value, Meltzer reported that these deals are mostly worth in the “low double figures” meant to help those signed to get by while in college. These deals reportedly can go as high as “low triple figures” depending on the perceived star status of the athlete and their social media followings.

In regards to Hayley and Hanna Cavinder, Meltzer reported that the twins had caught the attention of WWE due to both being signed to another NIL deal at the time. WWE officials were impressed with them both being star players at Fresno State and both having large following on Tik Tok and Instagram.