If your college is like most, you have between 500 and 1,200 students actively participating in athletics. Beyond that, you likely have tens of thousands of former student-athletes who still feel a deep connection to their days on the field who you should be tapping to help your college develop a comprehensive NIL strategy.
Why ?Because your athletic department is now facing an unprecedented challenge: navigating the rapidly evolving Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) landscape ON THEIR OWN! This new reality is reshaping college sports, and many institutions are struggling to keep up.
Across the nation, alumni from over 250 colleges and universities have stepped up independently, forming “Collectives” that raise tens of millions of dollars annually. Their goal? To support their teams and coaches in this new era where compensating student-athletes is becoming the norm.
Consider the impact of the money Collectives are raising.
This emerging NIL phenomenon is placing tremendous pressure on your coaches to maintain a competitive lineup, keeping alumni engaged and donations flowing.
Join us for a two-part webinar series designed to demystify NIL and equip you with the knowledge and tools to help your college thrive in this new environment.
Learn from industry thought leaders and experts who will guide you through:
Discover how NIL is shaping your athletic department’s future.
Explore strategies to attract and retain top talent through alumni-driven NIL initiatives from contributions, mentoring, to internships and jobs!
Create opportunities for alumni to provide NIL deals, benefitting all student-athletes.
Learn how to help the 98% of student-athletes who don’t get drafted - launch successful careers.
Learn to integrate NIL into your college’s marketing and infuse it in every department from alumni/development, enrollment, career services, and athletic departments. Your athletic department can't WIN - on their own!
Student-athletes are creating their own businesses and gaining real-world experiences not taught in class, which employer love!
A leading sports marketing agent and a recognized authority in the emerging NIL industry, Chris Sarver brings unmatched expertise to the table. He will equip your student-athletes with a solid foundation in the NIL ecosystem, guiding them through the opportunities, challenges, and best practices. Chris’s insights will empower your athletes to leverage NIL to their fullest advantage, ensuring they navigate this landscape with confidence and success.
Serving as the Associate Athletic Director for Development and NIL Strategy at Butler University, Graham Honaker is a seasoned expert in athletic development. He’s also the author of The Cinderella Strategy: The Game Plan behind Butler University’s Rise to Prominence, a testament to his strategic brilliance. Graham will provide an in-depth overview of the challenges your coaches and athletic departments face in the NIL era. He will also share actionable strategies on how your alumni and development offices can play a pivotal role in supporting these efforts.
Dave Hail has two decades experience working in alumni relations at University of Oklahoma working up to the Executive Director of Alumni Relations where his responsibilities include welcoming nearly 5,000 new alumni a year to the already HUGE alumni base of over 250,000. Dave is leveraging two decades of knowledge today by helping alumni associations develop campus-wide NIL strategies
As an attorney with significant influence in the NIL industry, Chima Okoli is well-versed in the intricacies of contract negotiations, brand value creation, and legal protection. He will guide your student-athletes through the critical aspects of building and safeguarding their personal brands, ensuring they maximize their NIL opportunities while minimizing risks.
Jim Kahler is the Director of the Sport & Entertainment Management Program at Cleveland State University and the Emeriti Director of the AECOM Center for Sports Administration at Ohio University. He has pioneered courses on sports gambling education, sport sales, and sport communication and is guided by a commitment to prepare the next generation to succeed on and off the field.
With two decades of experience connecting students with employers at Virginia Tech and Wake Forest, Stuart Mease is a powerhouse in career services. He will discuss why the career center has a vested interest in the NIL landscape and how it can help inform recruiters about the NIL opportunities available on campus.
Tom Sitko is has been engaged in athletics with the Cleveland Cavaliers, IMG College, and Learfield, and along the way has gained an inside look at the opportunities, risks, and challenges NIL presents for colleges and their athletic departments. His new firm Helix is the glue that connects student-athletes with brands ensuring successful NIL experiences for all.
Zach Harper is a visionary leader in Global Talent Acquisition and Executive Search, known for his ability to attract and retain top talent across various industries, including consumer products, manufacturing, entertainment, and technology. Zach’s NIL TasteMaker focuses on helping student athletes transition from the playing field to the corporate team.
As an NIL consultant and staff member at Players Health, Jordan Poydras brings a unique perspective as a former student-athlete. He leverages his firsthand experience to help today’s athletes understand the rewards and risks of building their brand, growing an audience, and securing deals with sponsors and advertisers. Jordan’s insights are invaluable for any student-athlete looking to navigate the complexities of NIL.
Boasting three decades of experience in collegiate athletics, Rob Reid is a sage voice in the industry. He will remind your student-athletes of the critical importance of managing their digital footprint. Rob will ensure they understand how easily a promising career can be jeopardized by careless social media posts, reinforcing the value of responsible online behavior.
With four higher education companies and over 1,000 career and alumni offices served, Don Philabaum is a career development veteran. He’s authored numerous books on career strategy and will emphasize to your student-athletes the importance of taking ownership of their careers as early as their freshman year. His advice will set them on a path to long-term success.