PayPal CEO: AI Agents and Venmo’s College Sports Takeover Mark the New Commerce Era

PayPal is leading two major market changes. First, the company is investing heavily in “agentic commerce.” This system uses smart AI agents to shop for consumers. The AI agent acts on the user’s behalf. It finds the best products and completes the entire purchase. PayPal provides the secure payment infrastructure for these transactions. This makes online shopping faster and simpler.

The second focus is expanding Venmo across college campuses. Venmo is already popular with younger customers, including Gen Z. PayPal recently secured landmark deals with the Big Ten and Big 12 conferences. These partnerships will manage student-athlete payments.

Following the NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) revenue-sharing rules, universities must pay athletes directly. PayPal makes this process seamless. Funds go straight to the student’s PayPal or Venmo account. This gives athletes quick, reliable access to their earnings.

Venmo also becomes a core commerce tool on campus. Students can use the app to pay at bookstores, concession stands, and ticketing offices. PayPal’s strategy is to integrate their trusted platforms into both the new AI economy and the rapidly changing world of college athletics.