In the ever-changing world of collegiate athletics, Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) remains an important aspect to convince players to join programs across the country. NIL collectives are looking for innovative ways to engage their fanbase. Traditional crowdfunding-like strategies have been effective to some extent, but they are becoming repetitive.
Furthermore, the approach needs to go beyond simple donations to a general fund. Many collectives have found success by collaborating with athletes to endorse products that directly benefit them financially. Some programs across the country have partnered with local breweries to create hops-based alcoholic beverages, and a percentage of the sales goes back to the athletes through the collectives.
The SWARM Collective, partnered with Exile Brewing Company in Iowa and introduced the SWARM Golden Ale in June. The revenue from this beer contributes to funding NIL opportunities for the University of Iowa athletes. The idea has been warmly embraced by fans, and the profits from the beer have been skyrocketing.
In July alone, SWARM Golden Ale brought in $58,500, and in just two months, the beer has raised nearly $100,000 for the SWARM collective. To simplify: people buy beer, Iowa Athletics gets the money and tempts athletes across the country to play for their program. You could say that this future will be playing for “beer money”.
This is the most frat way of raising money, almost on par with a sign that says “You Honk, We Drink”. Alumni like George Kittle (Beer Guy) wished they were a part of this NIL money because I would 100% buy a beer with his face on it. With the future of college football becoming more reliant on money, I think this is a great idea. Can you imagine if Virginia Tech partnered with an animal shelter when Michael Vick was enrolled there?
Free Idea: Stanford (Fighting Trees) should partner with a weed dispensary and get some NIL collective money from that. If anyone wants to hire me as a consultant for NIL crowd funding ideas, email me.
