NOVA's Team NIL Business Summit
Date: Wednesday, August 19
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Doors Open: 5:30 p.m.
Location: Center for the Arts
4373 Mason Pond Drive
Fairfax, VA 22030
Registration: Business and community leaders are encouraged to reserve their spot in advance.
RSVP: Register for the Team NIL Business Summit
FAIRFAX, Va. – George Mason Athletics is hosting NOVA's Team NIL Business Summit to bring together business leaders, university officials, and community stakeholders to examine the impact of Revenue Share and Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) opportunities in college athletics.
NOVA's Team NIL Business Summit 2026 will be held on Wednesday, August 19, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Center for the Arts on George Mason University's Fairfax Campus. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
As collegiate athletics continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, the summit will provide a unique opportunity for Northern Virginia's business community to gain insight into how NIL partnerships and revenue-sharing models are reshaping the student-athlete experience while creating new opportunities for local businesses to connect with audiences in meaningful ways.
The event will offer an in-depth look at George Mason's first year operating in this new era of college athletics, highlighting lessons learned, challenges faced, and opportunities for future growth.
Key Discussion Topics Include:
• The impact of NIL and revenue sharing after the first year of implementation
• How the college athletics landscape has changed and where it is headed next
• The business value and return on investment local companies can realize through NIL partnerships
• The influence of NIL opportunities on student-athlete development, academic success, and career preparation
• The role of community support in strengthening George Mason Athletics and enhancing student-athlete experiences
Fireside Chat with Mason Athletics Leaders
Attendees will hear directly from some of the most influential voices in George Mason Athletics during a special fireside chat featuring:
• Tony Skinn '06, Head Men's Basketball Coach
• Vanessa Blair-Lewis, Head Women's Basketball Coach
• Bill Rohland, Voice of Mason Basketball
The discussion will explore how coaches, athletes, and athletic programs are navigating the realities of NIL and revenue sharing while maintaining competitive excellence, fostering student success, and building sustainable programs for the future.
Student-Athlete Panel
A featured student-athlete panel will provide firsthand perspectives on the impact NIL opportunities have had on their personal, academic, and athletic journeys.
Panelists will discuss how partnerships with local businesses have helped them develop professional skills, build personal brands, gain valuable real-world experience, and prepare for life beyond competition. They will also share why community engagement and local support are critical components of their success in competition and beyond.
Networking and Community Engagement
In addition to NIL educational programming, attendees will have the opportunity to network with fellow business leaders, university administrators, coaches, and community partners. Fresh catering will be served throughout the evening, creating an engaging atmosphere for conversation and collaboration.
Parking Information
Parking is available in the Mason Pond Parking Deck, located adjacent to the Center for the Arts (parking fees apply). Complimentary parking is also available in Lot K, a short walk from the venue.
About NOVA's Team NIL at George Mason University
NOVA's Team NIL at George Mason University connects student-athletes with businesses and community partners through authentic marketing, branding, and promotional opportunities. By fostering meaningful partnerships, NOVA's Team NIL supports student-athlete success while helping businesses engage with one of the region's most passionate and influential audiences.
