One thing seemed certain when college athletes were allowed to monetize their name, image and likeness beginning in the summer of 2021.
In an uncertain world, the options and resources were sure to rapidly evolve and expand. That’s exactly what has happened, and as it has turned out, there are several paths for IU fans to both support the athletes they cheer for while receiving tangible benefits themselves.
Below are the organizations and online options we’ve come across that offer real benefits for fans and businesses, and are operated transparently by reputable organizations. Some of these organizations and storefronts have emerged in just the last few weeks.
We’ll continue to update this page as things change. You can always find it under “More Hoosiers” on our menu.
(Click on each of the links to be redirected to each organization’s website.)
Hoosiers For Good Collective
In the Wild West collectives space, Hoosiers for Good quickly emerged as the lead option for IU fans and supporters, and it got there with a unique approach.
The mission of Hoosiers For Good is to raise awareness for charitable causes throughout Indiana—by partnering local charities with community-minded Hoosier student athletes who choose to use their platform and influence to amplify the philanthropic work that helps our community thrive.
The Board includes Calbert Cheaney and Cook Group President Pete Yonkman, and former IU AD Fred Glass is involved with the legal side of the operations. Donations to Hoosiers for Good are tax deductible, and they’ve already made deals with athletes totaling around $900,000 in their first six months of operation.
Hoosiers Connect
The folks involved with Hoosiers For Good hatched a second organization outside of the charitable space. Hoosiers Connect is designed around fan- and corporate-level partnerships with athletes in the name, image and likeness space.
The board includes former IU basketball players Jared Jeffries and Brenna Wise, and Cook Group President Pete Yonkman. Former men’s basketball player Collin Hartman is the vice president of partnerships.
Focused on Indiana football and men’s basketball players, it offers both individuals and businesses access to NIL opportunities with current athletes, including a host of merchandise options and interactions with players and coaches.
The Indiana Hoosiers NIL Marketplace
Powered by Opendorse, this is your one stop shop for fans and businesses to interact with IU athletes in a variety of ways, including personal videos, social media posts, personal appearances, autographs, etc.
For example, a review of IU basketball guard Tamar Bates’ profile on the site indicates he’ll make an appearance for $177, a video for $73, as two examples.
The Indiana NIL Store
Covering the merchandise angle, the Indiana NIL Store allows players to monetize the the sale of IU merchandise by taking a cut of gear sold through their player locker. According the site, players get $8 to $15 per transaction.
Operated by Mark Cuban backed Campus Ink, the storefront just opened last week and is expected to expand considerably.
Jerseys at the Official IU Team Store
Hoosier fans can now purchase adidas basketball jerseys with the names and numbers of many of their favorite current IU men’s and women’s basketball players.
These adidas jerseys are available for purchase at Hoosier Team Store locations inside Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, and at the Carmichael Center immediately across from the Indiana University Sample Gates on Indiana Avenue. They are also available for purchase via the Hoosier Team Store’s on-line shop.
Bloomington NIL Club
There seems to be no better way to directly support the IU football team than the Bloomington NIL club. And what makes this unique is the football specific content fans will get from the players.
Members of the team provide fans with digital content and experiences such as digital meet-and-greets, player-recorded content, and much more throughout the year. The BNC generates revenue through fans subscribing to the club. A monthly commitment of any amount allows fans to join the NIL Club and access BNC-exclusive chat rooms, message boards, and content.
According to the site, the proceeds go directly to the players.
Hoosier Fantasy Experience Weekend
For two years running in August fans have had the option for an up close and personal IU basketball experience in Bloomington.
The Hoosier Basketball Fantasy Experience has four unique components: a four-day Fantasy Camp Experience involving the players on the current team, a round of golf with a member of the IU Basketball program at the Pfau Golf Course, a Fanfest where fans can watch the current team in action live, and a Hoosier Women’s Basketball Youth Camp.
Proceeds from the various events go to the players.
NIL Community Connect Mixer
As part of what is likely to become a recurring event, more than 30 Bloomington-area businesses were represented at last week’s first Name, Image and Likeness Community Connect Mixer, at the Henke Hall of Champions in Memorial Stadium.
The event offers a look at the multitude of NIL partnership opportunities now available for businesses to make with IU student-athletes, ranging from in-kind deals, traditional endorsements, and public appearances, among others.
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