Top US Olympians Make Noise in the NIL Landscape

As anticipation builds for the Paris Olympics, attention turns to standout USA Olympians who have made their mark in collegiate athletics and beyond. These athletes have used their Olympic participation to form meaningful partnerships, now empowered with name, image, and likeness opportunities. They will be able to expand the reach and influence of their Olympic journeys, amplifying their global brands.

Rachel Glenn

University of Arkansas track and field star Rachel Glenn qualified for the Paris Olympics, achieving second place in the US Olympic Trials by clearing a high jump height of 6-4.25. Additionally, Glenn set a new Arkansas outdoor high jump record with a winning height of 6 feet, 2.75 inches at the LSU Invitational in April.

Glenn’s NIL portfolio includes collaborations with Gatorade, CELSIUS, Breakfast Brothers, and Premier Sea Moss. One of her more intriguing partnerships is a NIL deal with the black-owned, Dallas, Texas-based alkaline water company Maji Pure. As part of her partnership with Maji Pure, the company manufactured bottles of water featuring Glenn’s image. Prominent Sports Consultants brokered the partnership.

Glenn has emphasized the crucial role of water quality and pH balance in maintaining optimal hydration and health during competition.

“I hope to enlighten others on the importance of water quality and that pH plays a vital role in proper hydration,” Glenn said. “Maji water is a good example of alkaline water with good minerals to replace the vitamins lost through sweat during physical activity. Hydrating with good pH and mineral balance is important for proper hydration and recovery.”

Quincy Wilson

Sixteen-year-old prep track standout Quincy Wilson made history, becoming the youngest male to make the United States Olympic Track team. Wilson shattered the 18-and-under 400-meter dash record with a time of 44.66 seconds. He improved further with 44.59 seconds in the semifinals, securing his place in the finals to qualify for the team in that event.

Wilson has secured an NIL deal with shoewear and apparel company New Balance, continuing their long-standing brand presence in Track and Field. He intends to be an extension of the brand as he competes on the track this summer in Paris.

Nico Young

University of Northern Arizona long-distance runner Nico Young made headlines by setting a new collegiate record in the 10,000 meters with an impressive time of 26:52.72, firmly securing his place in the Olympic trials. His exceptional performance continued during the trials, where he clinched third place in the 10,000 meters with a time of 27:52.40, thereby earning a coveted spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Beyond his athletic achievements, Young has also inked lucrative NIL deals with global sportswear giants Adidas and On Running. As he prepares to compete on the international stage, Young’s burgeoning sponsorship deals underscore his rising status as a standout athlete to watch in Paris.

Juliette Whittaker

Stanford University’s Juliette Whittaker clinched her spot on the Paris Olympic team with a standout performance in the women’s 800m, finishing third with a personal best time of 1:58.45. According to Stanford records, her impressive achievement also ranks as the 11th-fastest collegiate performance of all time, solidifying her as the sixth-fastest performer. In addition to her athletic prowess, Whittaker has joined Young as part of On Running’s NIL roster. Although NCAA regulations prevent her from competing under the On Running banner, she will actively represent the brand off the track and through social media, showcasing their partnership during the Olympics.

McKenzie Long

McKenzie Long, the NCAA champion in both the 100m and 200m earlier this month for Ole Miss, secured third place in the 200m final with a time of 21.91 seconds, earning qualification for the Paris Olympics. Ahead of the Olympic Trials, Long signed a significant NIL deal with Adidas and is also a semifinalist for the prestigious Bowerman Award. Long dedicated her outstanding performance in the NCAA Championships to her late mother, who tragically passed away at the start of the track and field season.

“Crossing that line and realizing I’m now an Olympian, it’s so surreal,” Long said. “I know my mom is smiling from cheek to cheek, proud of me. That’s all I could ever want.”