Manhattan, Kansas - Kansas State University Athletics and The Brandr Group (TBG) have established a group licensing agreement for the university's student-athletes covering all the Wildcats' 16 teams. This partnership creates new opportunities for Kansas State University's student-athletes to profit off their Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) using the school's official trademarks and logos.
"We are excited for this partnership as we look to provide our student-athletes with co-branded opportunities to profit from their name, image or likeness," Kansas State Director of Athletics Gene Taylor said. "It is important for our student-athletes to have the opportunity to be a part of branded apparel, customized jerseys, video games, trading cards and other potential programs, and we look forward to working with The Brandr Group to make these a reality."
The partnership with TBG allows for the collective use of student-athletes' NIL in licensing and marketing programs, co-branded with the Kansas State University logos and marks. Student-athletes will have the option to voluntarily join a group licensing program. TBG will facilitate group licensing opportunities on behalf of the student-athletes, and the program does not limit individual NIL rights. Potential licensees interested in learning more about the program should contact Kathleen Melvin 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 accounted for a large portion of licensed sports merchandise sales at the professional level for decades, and this program opens the door for the same opportunities for student-athletes at the collegiate level.
"Kansas State University Athletics has an outstanding reputation and we're thrilled to be partnering with them on a group licensing program," said Wesley Haynes, TBG CEO. "Through this new agreement, Kansas State student-athletes will be able to benefit from their NIL through co-branded opportunities across the Wildcats' vast merchandising and sponsorship portfolio. We're looking forward to working together to bring this program to life for Kansas State's talented student-athletes and passionate fans"
Fans can expect to be able to purchase official Kansas State University merchandise with the name and number of their favorite Wildcats who have joined the respective group licensing program starting this fall.
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, leading efforts for more than 50 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.