Mark Stoops made a plea for local business leaders in Kentucky to help with NIL deals, per Kentucky Sports Radio.

In an interview with Kentucky Sports Radio on Thursday, Stoops wanted to even the playing field with NIL deals for his program. Stoops mentioned how Kentucky competes against players from other schools who are still being compensated in non-NIL approved deals.

“I’m playing against players I know were given money, that the school and NCAA knows were given money and we’re still playing against them. Under the table, not even above the table like it is now,” Stoops said.

Stoops went on to call on local business leaders to financially support his program in a legal manner.

“We need people to understand it is legal and it is okay…Yes, we are behind and yes, we need money and to set aside pre-marketing dollars for the future of the football program and all of our sports,” Stoops said.

With this plea, Stoops hopes to see more support from donors and local businesses. NIL deals are common in college football and Stoops wants to catch up to other schools with the NIL.