North Carolina Central University has partnered with  The Brandr Group (TBG) to establish a group licensing program for the university’s student-athletes. 

Black Enterprise reports that this collaboration creates new opportunities for NCCU student-athletes in all 15 sports who want to use their Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) together with the university’s official trademarks and logos. This is just the first of what TBG hopes will be numerous partnerships with HBCUs and creates opportunities for companies and brands to support student-athletes at HBCUs.

Rick Perko, vice president of Program Development at TBG is looking forward to working with NCCU, “We are thrilled to welcome NCCU to our family as our first HBCU partner, and we look forward to working together to support Eagles student-athletes through this new agreement.”

“There are several companies and individuals who are interested in making a difference with student-athletes at HBCUs and group licensing will allow them to have the greatest breadth of impact. Through co-branded opportunities across NCCU’s merchandising and sponsorship portfolio, their talented athletes will have the ability to monetize their NIL, while Eagles fans will also enjoy new ways to celebrate their favorite players,” said Perko.

“This partnership with a respected leader in the group licensing industry will provide our talented and dynamic student-athletes with unique NIL opportunities,” said NCCU Director of Athletics, Dr. Louis “Skip” Perkins. “We are proud to be the first HBCU to join forces with The Brandr Group as a demonstration of NCCU’s commitment to elevating our deserving student-athletes.”

According to Black Enterprise, the agreement with TBG allows for the use of student-athletes NIL in licensing and marketing programs, co-branded with the NCCU logos and marks. Student-athletes will have the ability to voluntarily join a group licensing program, and TBG will facilitate group licensing opportunities on behalf of the student-athletes. Participation in the program will not limit any student-athletes NIL rights in their individual licensing and marketing activities. Potential licensees interested in learning more about the program should contact Jim Neish at TBG.

The TBG agency will manage and administer the program as well as develop licensing opportunities on behalf of the student-athletes. This program will benefit student-athletes, allowing them opportunities for licensed merchandise that is similar to professional sports scale.

The official NCCU merchandise, including team jerseys with the name and number of their favorite players who have joined the respective group licensing program, will be available once TBG enters into agreements with applicable school trademark licensees.