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Dusty May Urges Wolverines to Maximize NIL Earnings Through Smart Investments

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Thursday, November 27th 2025 at 7:53 GMT by MLive

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Dusty May Urges Wolverines to Make the Most of NIL Money—Investing in Annuities, Stocks, and Bonds

In a recent piece that has been trending on the MLive Wolverines blog, Coach Dusty May—one of the most respected figures in Michigan athletics—laid out a clear roadmap for athletes to handle their newfound Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) earnings. She’s not just talking about spending the money; she’s urging her players to look at it as an investment opportunity that can pay dividends for life. The article, which is part of a larger conversation about financial literacy for student‑athletes, calls for a proactive, diversified approach that includes annuities, equities, and fixed‑income instruments.

Why the Shift from “Spend It” to “Invest It”

May’s message is rooted in the reality that NIL deals can bring in substantial sums—sometimes hundreds of thousands of dollars—over a short period. While the temptation to buy luxury items is understandable, she emphasizes that “the biggest cost of not investing is the money you’ll never have again.” To illustrate this point, she references a recent NCAA study showing that only 28 % of student‑athletes understand basic investing concepts. By investing early, players can build a nest egg that can cover living expenses, education costs, and even provide a cushion in case a professional career stalls or ends prematurely.

The article notes that Michigan’s Office of Athletics has launched an Athlete Financial Literacy Program that offers free seminars and one‑on‑one counseling. May encourages every player to sign up, stressing that the knowledge gained can make the difference between a financial roller coaster and a smooth ride. The program is a collaboration between the athletic department and the university’s financial services office, which offers access to a trusted network of financial advisors.

Annuities: A Steady Income Stream

May explains annuities as “a contract with an insurance company where you pay a lump sum now in exchange for a guaranteed income stream later.” She highlights two primary types:

1. Fixed Annuities – These provide a set payment that is protected from market volatility. Ideal for athletes who want predictable cash flow in retirement or to pay off a loan.
2. Variable Annuities – These tie payouts to the performance of underlying investments, offering upside potential while still providing a safety net if a rider is included.

Annuities, she points out, can be a good way to lock in a portion of NIL earnings for the future. Because many athletes are still in school, they can consider deferred annuities that start paying out after graduation or when the player retires. The article cites the Tax Advantages of Annuities link, which explains how earnings grow tax‑deferred until withdrawal—a critical factor for athletes who may face high marginal tax rates once they become professional players.

Stocks: Building Wealth Through the Market

While annuities give stability, May argues that a diversified stock portfolio can grow wealth faster over the long term. She breaks down the basics for athletes who may be new to investing:

• Equity Basics – Stocks represent ownership in a company. The value of shares rises (or falls) with the company’s performance.
• Diversification – Investing in a mix of sectors—technology, healthcare, consumer goods—can reduce risk.
• Index Funds and ETFs – These low‑cost vehicles track major indices like the S&P 500, giving broad market exposure without the need to pick individual stocks.

May stresses the importance of risk tolerance. Younger athletes, who can afford to ride out market swings, might lean more heavily into stocks, whereas those closer to graduation might reduce their exposure. She recommends starting with a small percentage of the NIL funds and increasing it over time as they become more comfortable.

Bonds: The “Insurance” of Investing

The bonds link in the article provides an overview of fixed‑income securities. May describes bonds as a form of debt that a company or government issues to raise capital. When you buy a bond, you’re essentially lending money to the issuer, who promises to pay back the principal plus interest. Bonds are considered less risky than stocks because they offer regular coupon payments and a guaranteed return of principal (assuming the issuer doesn’t default).

Key points highlighted include:

• Types of Bonds – U.S. Treasury bonds, municipal bonds, corporate bonds, and high‑yield “junk” bonds.
• Interest Rates – How bond prices move inversely with market interest rates.
• Credit Ratings – The importance of buying bonds with solid ratings to reduce default risk.

By allocating a portion of NIL earnings to bonds, athletes can achieve a balanced portfolio that provides both growth potential (through stocks) and stability (through bonds and annuities).

Practical Steps for Athletes

May wraps the article with a concise “Action Plan” that draws on the links and resources mentioned:

1. Set a Goal – Identify short‑term and long‑term financial objectives. The NIL Money page offers tools to set savings targets.
2. Meet With a Financial Advisor – Utilize the university’s free counseling to discuss annuity options, stock allocation, and bond suitability.
3. Open a Brokerage Account – Many advisors will guide athletes toward low‑fee platforms that allow easy stock and bond purchases.
4. Invest Regularly – Even if the NIL windfall is one‑time, setting up automatic monthly contributions can compound over years.
5. Monitor & Rebalance – Keep an eye on portfolio performance and adjust allocations as needs and market conditions change.

The Bigger Picture

Dusty May’s call to action is not just about individual athletes. It reflects a broader shift in college sports, where NIL revenue can create wealth but also responsibility. The article emphasizes that with proper guidance, student‑athletes can transform one‑off money into a lasting financial legacy—whether that means paying for a child’s education, launching a small business, or simply enjoying a comfortable retirement.

By linking to educational resources on annuities, stocks, bonds, and NIL money, the piece ensures that readers have access to deeper explanations and real‑world examples. The overarching message is clear: “The smartest athlete is the one who turns talent into capital, not just for the now, but for the life that follows.”

In Summary: Dusty May, leveraging her platform and expertise, urges Michigan Wolverines to view NIL earnings as an investment vehicle. By understanding annuities, stocks, and bonds—and accessing the university’s financial literacy resources—athletes can build diversified portfolios that grow with them. The article provides both a motivational push and a practical roadmap, ensuring that the next generation of Wolverines not only excels on the field but also secures their financial future.