In the first episode of the Scout Podcast, we’re talking money, mistakes, and what no one’s telling college athletes about NIL.

From growing up on welfare to becoming the 7th overall pick in the NBA Draft, Charlie Villanueva joins us to share what he wishes he knew before turning pro – including the hard lessons about taxes, family pressure, and financial literacy.

In this episode, we break down:

-Why financial literacy is where mental health was 10 years ago

-The coach who’s making players save 40% of their NIL checks (and why it’s smart)

-What players, parents, and coaches must know about NIL tax traps, LLCs, and 1099s

-And why Charlie says, “No one taught me this. I had to learn the hard way.”

If you’re a player, parent, or coach, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

0:02 – Intro

1:13 – NIL Headlines: House vs. NCAA, Deloitte Clearinghouse 

7:08 – What Athletic Departments NEED To Know

8:59 – How Coaches Are Protecting Players: Why One Coach Makes Players Save 40% of Their Checks

11:32 – The Responsibility Coaches and Athletic Departments Have Toward Their Athletes

14:20 – “Coaches and athletes that invest in this mindset will rise to the top.”

17:08 – Office Hours Segment: Answering Questions From Viewers

17:26 – High School Senior Asks, “What’s the point of an LLC and do I need to set one up?”

20:23 – “My son is a freshman at an ACC school who’s earned some NIL money. What’s the best way for him to track his earnings so tax season is easier?”

27:48 – How Does Receiving a Car Through an NIL Deal Impact Taxes?

31:40 – Take Care of YOU

33:47 – Intro to Charlie Villanueva Interview

35:11 – “Financial health is where mental health was 20 years ago.”

35:41 – Charlie’s Background and Growing Up on Welfare

37:03 – “I wasn’t thinking about money at all. I was just thinking about the kid that had the dream to be in the NBA one day.”

39:20 – Having Hard Conversations With Family and Friends, “I got drafted but it’s like we all got drafted.”

40:55 – Mentors That Helped Charlie Transition into The League

42:25 – Canadian Taxes

44:01 – “I didn’t learn all of this until towards the end of my career.”

45:15 – How Would NIL Affect Charlie’s Time at UConn if it Were Around 

46:19 – What Led Charlie to Invest in Scout, “How do you prepare these kids for life after their sport while they’re earning this money?”

48:17 – What Charlie Spent His First Check On

49:20 – “Damn, I’m out the hood.”

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Scout is your playbook for mastering money in the NIL era.

Created by athletes for athletes, Scout exists to give college athletes the tools, knowledge, and support to win in every aspect of life – not just in competition, but in business, money, and mindset. Whether it’s your first NIL deal or your biggest paycheck yet, Scout gives you the tools to build long-term success on and off the field.

Through conversations with pro athletes, expert guidance, and raw, relatable stories, Scout helps you level up your money mindset so you can protect your earnings, grow your wealth, and own your future.

Built by athletes, for athletes. Focused on your future.
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