University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut and The Brandr Group Launch Group Licensing for Student-Athletes
10/6/2022 3:30:00 PM | General
Storrs, CT – University of Connecticut (UConn) Athletics and The Brandr Group (TBG) have established a group licensing agreement for the university's student-athletes covering all the Huskies' 21 sports. Through this partnership, UConn now affords its student-athletes the opportunity to combine their Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) with official trademarks and logos.
"Our partnership with The Brandr Group will provide UConn student-athletes with additional opportunities to monetize their name, image and likeness, and enhance their personal brands," director of athletics David Benedict said. "The Brandr Group is a significant leader in this space and will help facilitate student-athlete NIL-endeavors in areas such as co-branded apparel, video games, and trading cards. We are excited to partner with The Brandr Group and are confident that our fans will take advantage of the additional opportunities to support our student-athletes that TBG will help provide."
The collaboration with TBG allows for the collective use of student-athletes' NIL in licensing and marketing programs, co-branded with UConn logos and marks. Student-athletes will have the option to voluntarily join a group licensing program and TBG will facilitate group licensing opportunities on behalf of the student-athletes. Potential licensees interested in learning more should contact Jim Neish at TBG.
TBG, a brand management, marketing and licensing agency, will manage and administer the program as well as develop licensing opportunities on behalf of the student-athletes. With decades of collective management experience for some of the world's largest brands, TBG also manages the group rights program for the NFL, NBA and MLB players' associations in the college space.
Products that combine team logos and player names and numbers have generated substantial licensed sports merchandise sales at the professional level for decades, and this program provides similar opportunities for collegiate student-athletes.
"For years, UConn athletics programs have built a strong reputation both in the Northeast and across the country, and we are excited to be working closely with them on development of a program that will financially reward their student-athletes," said Rick Perko, Vice President of Program Development at TBG. "Group licensing offers the opportunity for these student-athletes to benefit from their NIL through UConn's merchandise and sponsorship portfolio. This agreement will also create a variety of ways for Huskies' fans to support their favorite players."
While no specific timetable is set, fans can expect to be able to purchase official UConn merchandise, including team jerseys with the name and number of players who have joined the respective group licensing program, once TBG enters into agreements with applicable school trademark licensees.
About The Brandr Group
The Brandr Group (TBG) is a brand management, marketing and licensing agency powered by a team with decades of collective management experience for some of the world's largest brands. TBG has emerged as the leading agency in group licensing programs, with rights to over 65 college athletic programs and their student athletes in the Name, Image and Likeness category including the biggest brands in college athletics. TBG partners with prominent brands, colleges, sponsors, corporate trademarks, athletes and events to cultivate, diversify and monetize intellectual property through professional brand management and licensing endeavors. For more information, please visit tbgusa.com.
