WSU Announces NIL Partnership
On Monday the world of name, image, likeness deals just got a little more interesting on the Palouse. As a partnership between Washington State Athletics and Icon Source was announced. The deal creates the Icon Suite local exchange platform. The monitored platform is a marketplace for WSU athletes and local businesses to interact as well as form NIL partnerships.
The Details
In fact, the deal is the first partnership between Icon Source and a university’s athletic program. Icon Source is an established marketplace between companies and athletes looking for endorsements.
For example, with the new platform, Athletes will log in with their student credentials. In addition to helping student-athletes find deals, the system ensures that they remain in compliance. Meanwhile, compliance agents within the athletic department can monitor every aspect of the deals.
Pat Chun’s Comments
“Our student-athletes have been proactive in taking advantage of new opportunities afforded by NCAA NIL legislation,” WSU Athletic Director Pat Chun said. “In a very fluid environment, we’ve witnessed our athletes becoming entrepreneurs, brand ambassadors, and non-profit advocates while continuing to exceed expectations on the field and in the classroom… We’re excited about the new opportunities Icon Source will provide our student-athletes in the arena of Name, Image, and Likeness activity.”
Pullman itself is home to many small businesses that financially support WSU Athletics. Now, businesses will have an easy and viable way to make the same sort of contributions to the athletes themselves.
Icon Source’s Collegiate Executive Vice President is Drew Butler a former Georgia punter. “Icon Source is thrilled to partner with Washington State University and provides the Icon Suite for all Cougar student-athletes and the WSU athletic department,” Butler exclaimed. “With a rich history, passionate following, and supportive community – we are excited to bring businesses and student-athletes together to capitalize in this new NIL era,” said Butler.
All in all, it would not at all be surprising to see other programs follow suit with WSU. Particularly with the hopes of providing their student-athletes a place to engage in NCAA-compliant NIL deals.
