Michigan Announces Co-Branding NIL Initiative With LEARFIELD Allied

LEARFIELD Allied, a first-of-its-kind initiative that’s paving the way for co-branding opportunities between student-athletes and universities in the NIL space, is partnering with the University of Michigan and Michigan Sports Properties. 

“We’re thrilled to further expand NIL opportunities for Michigan student-athletes and our sponsors through LEARFIELD Allied,” Michigan Director of Athletics Warde Manuel said. “From being the first NCAA school to provide uniform jersey licensing programs for student-athletes to hosting the VICTORS Exchange, the nation’s largest INFLCR local exchange platform, Michigan Athletics remains committed to innovative partnerships that are beneficial to our student-athletes.”

This incorporation will allow official partners to combine the University of Michigan’s official marks, logos, and intellectual property (IP) with the brands’ own engagement and student-athlete NIL activities. 

Student-athletes utilizing Michigan’s marks, logos and IP will be required to go through an approval process facilitated by LEARFIELD and Michigan Athletics prior to engaging in the NIL activity. 

“Michigan Sports Properties has been deeply engaged with the evolving NIL ecosystem, and we are excited to bring co-branding concepts to our official partners on behalf of Michigan and its student-athletes,” said Jennifer Cadicamo, Vice President and General Manager of Michigan Sports Properties, the university’s athletics multimedia rightsholder and LEARFIELD’s local team. “As the sole representative of the University of Michigan, we are already in deep discussion with partners who want to expand their visibility and engagement with audiences in conjunction with Michigan’s talented student-athletes and official marks.”

The partnership aims to benefit Michigan student-athletes and brands alike, as this incorporation hopes to maximize both parties’ exposure, reach and engagement.