Cleveland, OH
NILLY: Kendrick Perkins’ NIL Platform Faces Ethical Scrutiny
Former NBA champion and TV commentator Kendrick Perkins has attracted attention with the launch of NILLY, a platform designed to help college athletes navigate the intricacies of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. Backed by Harlan Capital Partners, which has committed up to $200 million, NILLY aims to ease the financial strain on athletes by offering upfront payments in exchange for percentages of their NIL earnings. Yet, despite its seemingly positive and uplifting intentions, NILLY has faced scrutiny, with some questioning whether the model takes advantage of broke student-athletes needing quick cash.
Launched in February 2024, NILLY offers athletes cash advances ranging from $25,000 to several hundred thousand dollars. In return, the company secures exclusive rights to the athlete’s NIL for up to seven years, taking a portion of their future earnings, anywhere from 10% to 50%. Though this approach provides immediate financial relief, it has sparked concern among consumer protection advocates and financial advisers.
Perkins, who has an estimated net worth of $28 million, sees NILLY as a critical lifeline for athletes and their families, who often face significant financial challenges. “You have so many athletes and their parents who are struggling day-to-day,” Perkins stated. “Because we’re actually taking a bit of a gamble on what the student-athlete is going to make in the NIL space, the benefit is the kid, the student-athlete, gets financial security, so they don’t have to rush.”
However, financial experts are wary, suggesting that NILLY’s contracts may resemble high-interest loans in disguise. Michael Haddix Jr., CEO of Scout, which provides financial education to athletes, commented, “It feels predatory, and it’s capitalizing on young people who need money and haven’t thought through the long-term implications.” Likewise, Chris Peterson, a law professor at the University of Utah, bluntly labeled NILLY’s contracts as “trashy products designed to take advantage of young kids.”
One case illustrates how much athletes might end up giving away. According to a contract obtained by ESPN, a high school senior received $50,000 upfront, agreeing to give NILLY 25% of his NIL earnings for seven years or until the company recoups $125,000, 2.5 times its original investment. Critics argue that deals like this can leave athletes with significant financial burdens long after they leave college, with some paying the equivalent of $75,000 in potential earnings just to access $50,000 upfront, a steep cost for short-term relief.
In defense, NILLY co-founder Chris Ricciardi argued that these are not loans but licensing agreements. “There’s no interest rate. There’s no requirement to pay back… it’s purely a licensing deal,” he explained, emphasizing that NIL earnings are unpredictable and that NILLY assumes considerable risk by paying athletes without guaranteed returns. However, Mike Pierce, a former Consumer Financial Protection Bureau executive, advised caution, suggesting that the contracts’ fine print may reveal more. “The promise here that if you don’t make it big, you don’t have to pay anything back has a lot of fine print underneath it.”
As NILLY Continues to grow, with 20 athletes already signed on, the ethical debate around its model is gaining momentum. While Perkins and Ricciardi stand by the platform’s intent to provide immediate financial relief, critics warn that its structure could leave athletes with long-lasting financial challenges. The broader issue remains: Can NIL-focused ventures like NILLY truly empower athletes without taking advantage of them?
CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – Protests against President Donald Trump’s administration are scheduled across the country Saturday, including in Northeast Ohio.
Events are happening around the region, with the largest turnout expected in downtown Cleveland.
Cindy Demsey, a co-organizer of the event, emphasized the rally’s purpose: “No Kings rallies in Cleveland and around the country demonstrate that We The People support an immediate end to foreign wars, ICE’s terror tactics, the administration’s unconstitutional power grab, covering up evidence of crimes against children and government for billionaires.”
The rally is set to begin at 1:00 PM at the Free Stamp next to City Hall on Lakeside Avenue and East 9th Street.
Back in October, thousands gathered downtown, and the events featured musical performances and various speakers before a march.
When a demonstration took place this past summer, Cleveland police estimated about 5,000 people were in attendance.
That event was mostly peaceful, with one person arrested for disorderly conduct.
Here is a list of the events taking place this Saturday, March 28.
Cleveland
When: 1 to 3 p.m.
Where: Free Stamp, Willard Park
Akron
When: 1 to 3 p.m.
Where: John F. Seiberling Federal Building and United States Courthouse
Lakewood
When: 10:30 to noon
Where: Lakewood City Hall
Parma
When: 10 to 1 p.m.
Where: Ridgewood Lake Park
North Ridgeville
When: 10 to noon
Where: LCCC University Partnership Ridge Campus
Mansfield
When: 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Richland County Administration & Courthouse
Parma
When: 10 to 1 p.m.
Where: 7620 W Ridgewood Dr
Chardon
When: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: 100 Short Ct St
Cuyahoga Falls
When: 11 to 1 p.m.
Where: Cuyahoga Falls Downtown Amphitheater
New Philadelphia
When: 11:30 to 1 p.m.
Where: Tuscarawas County Courthouse
Ashtabula
When: Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Where: Smith Field Dog Park
Port Clinton
When: Noon to 2 p.m.
Where: Erie Dearie Park, a corner of Waterworks Park
Vermilion
When: Noon to 2 p.m.
Where: Exchange Park
Wooster
When: Noon to 2 p.m.
Where: Public Square
Strongsville
When: Noon to 2 p.m.
Where: Pearl Road & Ohio 82
Hudson
When: 1 to 3 p.m.
Where: Gazebo Green
Sandusky
When: 1 to 4 p.m.
Where: Sandusky Mall Entrance
Kent
When: 2 to 4 p.m.
Where: Gazebo, intersection of Franklin Ave and West Main Street
Warren
When: 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Where: Trumbull County Courthouse Square
Canton
When: 3 to 5 p.m.
Where: Central Plaza North
Medina
When: 4 to 6 p.m.
Where: Medina Public Square Historic District
Find more here.
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The Cleveland Cavaliers host the Miami Heat on Friday night, in the second game of a back-to-back between these Eastern Conference rivals.
The Miami Heat go for their 40th win of the season and the series victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers on the road on Friday. This is the second game of a back-to-back for these teams, fighting for positioning in the Eastern Conference standings. Both of these games will be played in Cleveland, with the Heat pulling off the upset in Game 1 on Wednesday, winning 120-103. The win ended Miami’s five-game losing streak, and the loss ended the Cavaliers’ four-game winning streak. The win gave the Heat a 2-1 series lead, with Friday’s game serving as the finale. Miami is back in the eighth seed, but is only a half-game above the Charlotte Hornets and Orlando Magic. Cleveland is sitting comfortably in fourth place, but is three games back of the New York Knicks for third. The biggest name sitting out of this rematch is Jarrett Allen, who is dealing with a knee injury but is expected to return on Friday. The Cavaliers should be the favorite at home to tie this season series at two games apiece in this rematch.
How to Watch Miami Heat vs Cleveland Cavaliers Today:
Game Date: Friday, March 27, 2026
Game Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
TV Channel: NBATV, FanDuel Sports Network Ohio 1 (Cleveland feed)
Location: Rocket Arena – Cleveland, OH
Live stream the Miami Heat vs Cleveland Cavaliers on Fubo: Start watching now!
Miami started off hot in the first half on Wednesday, but Cleveland came back in the third quarter, outscoring the Heat by 17. But Miami quickly returned the favor in the fourth, outscoring the Cavaliers by the same total in the final quarter. Donovan Mitchell led all scorers with 28, but the Heat were more balanced with Norman Powell leading the charge with 19 points, and Tyler Herro added 18. James Harden and Sam Merrill both scored 18 points apiece for the Cavs. Miami shot 52 percent from the field as a team and an impressive 40 percent from three. The Heat led by as much as 17 in the third but nearly squandered the sure win before the strong fourth quarter. Miami had eight players score in double figures in what turned out to be a comfortable victory. Expect a closer game tonight in the finale rematch.
What time is the Miami Heat vs Cleveland Cavaliers Game On?
The Miami Heat vs Cleveland Cavaliers game will take place on Friday, March 27, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. ET. Tune in and catch some great NBA action.
What Channel Is the Miami Heat vs Cleveland Cavaliers Game On?
Looking to watch this game? Fans can tune in to the NBATV, FanDuel Sports Network Ohio 1 (Cleveland feed) to see the action. Make sure you subscribe to Fubo now to watch this matchup, as well as numerous other sports leagues.
Live stream Miami Heat vs Cleveland Cavaliers on Fubo: Start watching now!
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