The University of Nevada-Las Vegas (UNLV) rejected a $100,000 offer from Circa Resort & Casino designed to retain quarterback Matthew Sluka. On Wednesday, Sluka made the announcement that he will be sitting out the rest of the 2024 season, opting to redshirt, and subsequently seek a transfer. He cited UNLV’s failure to honor a $100,000 name, image, and likeness (NIL) payment as the primary reason for his decision. According to Sluka’s agent, Marcus Cromartie, the payment was initially promised by an unidentified assistant coach as an incentive for Sluka to transfer to UNLV from Holy Cross, where he played in 2023.
In an effort to persuade Sluka to stay, Circa Sports CEO Derek Stevens, in discussions with Vice President of Operations Mike Palm, decided to offer an additional $100,000 to keep Sluka wearing the Rebels uniform. The university confirmed that a conversation took place between Palm and their representatives, but it was brief, as Sluka had already moved on.
This move by Circa, despite not achieving its intended result, was seen as a savvy public relations effort. UNLV had started the 2024 season with a promising 3-0 record, including victories over two Big 12 teams. Hopes were high that the Rebels could potentially be the Group of 5 representative in the newly expanded College Football Playoff (CFP), a spot reserved for the highest-rated conference champions outside the Power 4 conferences. UNLV, part of the Mountain West conference, appeared to have a strong chance to secure this coveted position.
Under head coach Barry Odom, UNLV football has experienced a revival, generating increased local enthusiasm for the team. Circa’s attempt to retain Sluka underscored the high stakes involved this season.
Sluka’s situation also highlights some of the more troubling aspects of the NIL era in college sports. Approved by the NCAA three years ago, NIL compensation has significantly impacted revenue-generating sports like football and men’s basketball. Schools often use NIL money to attract players from rival programs, leading to a hyper-competitive transfer portal environment. However, ensuring these financial commitments are honored is crucial, as demonstrated by Sluka’s experience at UNLV.
“I committed to UNLV based on certain representations that were made to me, which were not upheld after I enrolled,” Sluka stated on X. “Despite discussions, it became clear that these commitments would not be fulfilled in the future.” Sluka’s case serves as a cautionary tale about the complexities and challenges of the NIL landscape in college athletics.
