A-Mountain Sports NIL collective to wind down as NMSU prepares new athlete funding model
New Mexico State will sunset the A-Mountain Sports NIL Collective at the end of 2025 as Aggie Athletics prepares a centralized, department-managed funding model for student-athletes.
Athletic Director Joe Fields says the shift reflects changes in college sports, including NIL and revenue sharing, with a new department-managed fund expected after the new year.
Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News
LAS CRUCES - New Mexico State University is preparing to change how it supports Aggie student-athletes as college athletics continues to evolve around name, image and likeness compensation and emerging revenue-sharing models.
In a Dec. 27 letter to “Aggie Nation,” NMSU Athletic Director Joe Fields said the A-Mountain Sports NIL Collective will conclude its role as an active NIL collective on Dec. 31, 2025. The move comes as the athletic department transitions toward a centralized, department-managed approach.
What NIL means in college athletics
NIL refers to name, image and likeness rights, which allow student-athletes to earn compensation tied to endorsements, appearances and other approved opportunities. Many schools have relied on NIL collectives — typically independent organizations — to raise funds and facilitate those opportunities.
NIL in New Mexico: the broader context
Across New Mexico, colleges have relied on third-party NIL collectives to help student-athletes access compensation opportunities since NCAA rules changed in 2021. Both New Mexico State University and University of New Mexico, like many schools nationwide, have navigated a patchwork system shaped by donor support, evolving conference expectations and shifting federal guidance. Recent court rulings and revenue-sharing models are now pushing athletic departments toward more centralized oversight, reducing reliance on independent collectives and bringing NIL support closer under institutional control.
Why NMSU is making a change
Fields cited broader shifts in college athletics, including NIL and the introduction of revenue sharing, as well as the House v. NCAA settlement, which allows athletic departments to directly share revenue with student-athletes.
“Our focus has been on creating a solution that fits the needs of our Aggie community and positions us to remain competitive in the new collegiate athletics landscape,” Fields said.
He said the department’s goal is to adopt a model that fits the needs of the Aggie community and adapts to ongoing changes in college athletics.
What happens to A-Mountain Sports
A-Mountain Sports will no longer operate as an active NIL collective after Dec. 31. Fields acknowledged the work of Paul Grindstaff in helping establish the organization and thanked Jordan Banegas, Luke Smith and Paul Smith for their leadership during a period of significant change in college athletics.
While the collective model is ending, Fields said the current A-Mountain Sports leadership remains committed to working with Aggie Athletics during the transition.
What comes next
Fields said NMSU plans to transition its general athletics fund — the Aggie Athletic Club — into a new fund designed to better meet departmental needs. The new fund is expected to be announced shortly after the new year.
According to the letter, the fund will focus on supporting the holistic well-being of student-athletes, including education, health, training, development and financial benefits permitted under current collegiate rules.
How donations will work
The new fund will operate in partnership with the NMSU Foundation, a tax-exempt organization. Contributions will be tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
More information
Questions about the transition can be directed to Chase Kearney in the Athletics Development Office at 575-646-5151 or ckearney@nmsu.edu.
Damien Willis is founder and editor of Organ Mountain News. If you have a personal story to share or a lead we should follow up on, reach out at OrganMountainNews@gmail.com or connect with him on X at @damienwillis.
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