In Miles' case, those are likely free product + commission structured brand partnership. Guessing this stemmed from the INFLCR marketplace the university rolled out last year connecting brands/athletes. Most schools have this or something similar, but requires the athlete to put in the leg work for these types of partnerships.
Kate is probably getting paid outright by the cooling company to use her image on the mailer. This is an example that should be marketed during recruiting and can help. NIL doesn't always have to money upfront to sign a LOI.
Said this before, but Homage would be a great partner for our athletes since its founded by an OU grad Ryan Vesler. Our athletic department (or individual teams) can really do themselves a favor by having these types of opportunities lined up in unison with collective money.
I used to work for Express, back when they bought into Homage.
Any NIL opportunities, or donations would likely have to come from the kindness in his heart.
You can see where a lot of their allegiance currently lays... in all those collabs with Ohio State. Something like the Egbuka tees are likely 'self-funded' making them more $ in merch sales, to offset the NIL deals. Rather than a % of each shirt sold you get $2 or something of that nature.
They don't move a ton of OU units, however. And I'm guessing they still don't. Otherwise I think an Athens store would be awesome. And would have already happened. Fits the Athens vibe. Would be a super cool campus store. Easy place to grab some cool merch. Small OU capsule collections. Could dip into all the major sports teams. Even for him personally, I think he would *like* to see it happen, BUT they haven't updated their OU collection in years. I've seen maybe one or two new designs in 5 years? So I'd have to imagine it's an uphill battle to get anything NIL related - otherwise we probably would've already seen other collabs with Preston, or during the NCAA tournament run.
I've always thought the OU - Homage partnership would be great for us. And at times, could be positive for them. I dream of Homage Court. I bet Vessler does as well, but flipping over the TV on a random night with the cameras facing the empty friends and family seats... that's not the vibe anyone wants to put out.
Last Edited: 1/16/2024 1:19:42 PM by M.D.W.S.T