NIL nonprofit connecting fans, businesses to IU athletes
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A new Name, Image and Likeness-based nonprofit has launched in Bloomington. Hoosiers Connect says it aims to facilitate sponsorship agreements between commercial brands and Indiana University student-athletes.
Hoosiers Connect has developed a membership model for both fans and corporate entities it says will give “unprecedented access” to experiences with IU men’s basketball and football athletes.
Among the offerings are corporate sponsorship tiers, which the nonprofit says will facilitate NIL agreements with athletes.
“As our leaders engaged with businesses and individual supporters about Hoosiers For Good, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that partners local charities with IU student athletes who are passionate about using their NIL platform to amplify philanthropic work, we saw an opportunity to use our expertise in the quickly-changing NIL space—and leverage our existing relationships with IU student athletes—to support businesses that want to use NIL for their commercial endeavors,” said Tyler Harris, who will serve as executive director of Hoosiers Connect.
Collin Hartman, a former IU basketball player who will serve as vice president of partnerships, says the model could be a boon for local companies.
“Companies are thinking creatively about the commercial side of NIL, and we see a real opportunity to facilitate NIL agreements in a way that follows the rules, benefits local businesses, and ultimately helps Indiana flourish,” Hartman said in written remarks. “One business we spoke to is highly focused on building a robust talent pipeline in Indiana, so we are working on an NIL agreement with an athlete who can attract attention at an upcoming career fair. It’s a win-win.”
Hoosiers for Good launched in March to connect student-athletes at IU with charitable organizations throughout the state. Harris, also serves as executive director for Hoosiers for Good.
You can learn more about Hoosiers Connect by clicking here.