As seen on Unboxed Issue 45
We’ve only seen the very beginning of what the historic NIL (name, image, and likeness) NCAA policy will become but brands aren’t being shy about signing athletes early on. As expected, sneaker brands and retailers are likely to play a major role in how amateur athletes get paid.
Last month, Tinker Hatfield and Phil Knight wasted no time by partnering with Oregon Ducks star Kayvon Thibodeaux on an NFT. Now, Texas-based sneaker boutique Centre has signed 3 NCAA athletes to sponsorship deals. The group of singings includes Texas running back Bijan, Texas Christian University Women’s Soccer forward Messiah Bright, and Texas A&M University running back Isaiah Spiller. Because many high-profile college athletes have a large social following, partnering with the right ones could prove to do wonders for local sneaker businesses. Props to the Centre for being early on the trend.
