In a historic move for college football, Auburn players are poised to share approximately $6 million through a groundbreaking NIL deal tied to their participation in the Aflac Kickoff Game against Baylor on September 5. This initiative marks the first instance of NIL compensation for players in a neutral-site game, as confirmed by sources to CBS Sports.

The financial distribution will encompass up to 24 Auburn players, utilizing a guarantee model that includes:

• Marketing commitments
• Promotional appearances

Additionally, players will benefit from a revenue-sharing component directly linked to the game's ticket sales, giving them a financial stake in the event.

The deal was announced on Monday and is structured by Peach Bowl, Inc. in collaboration with third-party entities. It runs from July until kickoff at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Players will engage in various promotional activities, including:

• Social media posts
• Public appearances
• Advertisements
• In-game promotions
• Media interviews
• Signage and branding opportunities

This revenue-sharing model distinguishes this deal from traditional endorsements, potentially revitalizing interest in neutral-site games, which have seen declining leverage as schools prioritize home schedules for CFP positioning.

David Epps, CEO of Peach Bowl, Inc., stated, "In the new NIL era...this will be an innovative way to create wins for the teams, programs, and student-athletes."

The Aflac Kickoff Game will be Auburn's fourth appearance in the event, while Baylor will make its debut. The teams initially planned a home-and-home series but opted to shift the final game to Mercedes-Benz Stadium. In their last meeting, Auburn triumphed over Baylor with a score of 38-24 to kick off the 2025 season. The game is set to kick off at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC.