The landscape of college athletics is shifting in real time. From name, image, and likeness (NIL) to revenue sharing models, college basketball is operating more like a professional business strategy than ever before.

In this episode of the Splash City Basketball Podcast, host Steve Hartman sits down with Kevin Hughes, former UW-Green Bay player and founding partner at Walker Miles. Bringing 16 years of branding and strategy experience, along with a background in NFL athlete representation, Kevin offers an insider's look at how NIL is transforming collegiate sports.

In this episode, we cover:

• The Evolution of NIL: Explaining the difference between "Salary NIL" under revenue sharing and "Real NIL" marketing endorsements.
• Budget Breakdown: How universities allocate the initial $22M revenue share cap across football, basketball, and non-revenue sports.
• Regulation & Oversight: The role of the College Sports Commission (CSC) and NIL Go in auditing deals for fair market value.
• Metropolitan Advantages: Why urban markets like the Twin Cities (featuring Minnesota Gophers and St. Thomas) are uniquely primed for corporate NIL partnerships and storytelling.
• Behind the Scenes: Stories from the athlete representation world, navigating the transfer portal, and where college sports governance goes from here.

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Host Steve Hartman is joined by Derek Long (aka Croonch) from the Sideline Vibes podcast for a deep dive into the latest in Minnesota hoops!

In this episode, Steve and Derek break down the Lynx’s swift postseason exit against the New York Liberty, dissecting the match-up challenges, offensive flow, and key offseason outlooks.

Then, the guys switch gears to the Timberwolves as training camp kicks into high gear. They talk about the team’s new-look chemistry, the dynamic impact of adding LaMelo Ball, Ant’s evolution as a leader, and what noticeable on-court changes to expect this season—from improved offensive flow to second-unit defensive stability.

Plus, Steve breaks down an upcoming project on Niko Medved’s Princeton offense with the Minnesota Golden Gophers and shares details on an exciting vintage apparel collaboration with Dime House Hoops!

Sponsor Shoutout: Special thanks to Dan Radke at Radke Basketball Academy for sponsoring this episode! Elevate your player’s game with group or individual training sessions by visiting RadkeBasketballAcademy.com and using code SPLASH5 for $5 off a group session.

Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube, and follow the Splash City Basketball Podcast on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Blue Sky!

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon or YouTube.

Follow Splash City Basketball Podcast on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and Bluesky.

In this "Raising The Floor" episode of the Splash City Basketball Podcast, host Steve Hartman dives into the upcoming college basketball season with a full breakdown of the top 10 preseason events to watch and attend this November.

From destination tournaments in the Bahamas, Maui, and Las Vegas to marquee showcases in New York City and Chicago, Steve ranks the best early-season action based on location, star power, and off-court entertainment.

Plus, he gives a special shoutout to the upcoming slate of games at the driveable, for most Midwesterners, Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls.

Before jumping into the tournament rankings, Steve breaks down the news surrounding the Protect College Sports Act following its passage in the Senate. He discusses the bill's proposed transfer portal rules, conference limits, and the ongoing debate regarding player representation and earning caps.

He also provides an update on the legal situation of fifth-year eligibility cases—including Cade Tyson—and how state-by-state court rulings are impacting roster projections across the country.

This episode is brought to you by Second Chance Sportswear—your home for top-notch vintage and pre-loved sports gear. Visit www.secondchancesportswear.com to level up your game day fit.

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon or YouTube.

Follow Splash City Basketball Podcast on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and Bluesky.