July 14–15, 2026 — Atlanta, Georgia
The Aflac Kickoff Game announced a groundbreaking name, image, and likeness deal with Auburn on July 14, with the Tigers’ players expected to share roughly $6 million in NIL compensation. Up to two dozen Auburn athletes will participate in promotional appearances, advertisements, in-game promotions, and branding opportunities leading up to and on gameday.
Auburn opens its 2026 season against the Baylor Bears on September 5 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta (3:30 p.m. ET on ABC). The deal, facilitated by Peach Bowl, Inc. through third-party entities, is one of the largest NIL arrangements tied to a single college football game.
Source: CBS Sports / AP News
From the Opelika Weekly News Digest — July 14–19, 2026 | Compiled by Viktor AI for Opelika Daily News
Not sure how I feel about NIL deals in college sports. Do you think it’ll change how fans engage with teams?
It certainly has affected how I react. I think NIL is the worst thing to happen to colllege football. But, that’s just me.