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A recent car dealership purchase by Alabama head coach Nick Saban is making waves on social media this week. The Crimson Tide leader is thinking next level in terms of NIL, at least according to college football fans.
“Nick Saban’s Dream Motor Group buys Mercedes-Benz stores in $700M deal,” was the headline on Automotive News this week, referencing two Florida based dealerships acquired by the head coach earlier this year.
In all, the transaction was valued at $700M, noting both the real estate and its accompanying assets.
The transaction’s purchase price was about $700 million for the land, buildings, franchises and body shop, Agresti told Automotive News. The South Florida Business Journal reported that the real estate cost $150 million.
Saban is part owner in Dream Motors Group, and these two stores add to the group’s total, with other locations in Alabama, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Texas.
Many online are hinting at an ulterior motive behind the latest purchase -Recruiting.
Now, it’s no secret that the nation’s top players reside in Florida. Just taking a quick peek at 24/7 Sports’ rankings for the upcoming class, you’ll see three of the Top 10 prospects, and 15 of Top 100, located in the Sunshine State.
After seeing Saban’s recent car dealership purchase, fans are joking that every Alabama player is going to be driving around Tuscaloosa in style next year.
“NIL means boosters don’t buy your car under the table, the coach gives you one outright!”
“G-Wagons for all the Florida 5-stars!”
“I’m curious to see how this will affect Alabama’s recruiting in Florida… They can now theoretically pay prospects for endorsements and provide them with a demo vehicle.”
“NIL deals about to go crazy.”
Every Bama player is going to have a Benz for an NIL deal https://t.co/I5KzNMzB0l
— Gifdsports (@gifdsports) November 8, 2023
If that South Florida recruiting picks up, maybe the Nick Saban retirement rumors will fade away.