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Maximizing NIL Opportunities for Student-Athletes and the Badger Community

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What is NIL?

As of 2021, the NCAA now allows student-athletes to be compensated for their Name, Image and Likeness (NIL). Before, these athletes couldn’t make money off their personal brand while competing in college sports. But now, Wisconsin Badgers and other college student-athletes can be paid for the use of their name, image and likeness in charitable appearances, advertising, promotions, event attendance, and more – just like any professional athlete. What this means for you are unprecedented opportunities to partner with Badger student-athletes and create a win-win for everyone.

How Does The Collective Work?

We turn your donations into paid partnerships between student-athletes and charitable, non-profit causes that matter to them. Check out our 101 video to learn how it works!

Ways to Engage

The Varsity Collective Charitable Fund 

Our signature effort that partners with Wisconsin student-athletes to promote charitable and non-profit causes. Tax-deductible donations directly support these athletes while creating positive impacts across the Badger community.

Donate

VC Connect

As the sister organization of The Varsity Collective Charitable Fund, VC Connect offers opportunities that benefit both you and Wisconsin student-athletes. Become a member to provide NIL support while gaining access to exclusive perks and insider content. Or work with us to create a unique experience between you, your business and Badger student athletes.

Get Involved

Charitable Partnerships in Action

Individual Partnerships with Non-Profits

Football players John Torchio and Jordan Turner supported causes aimed at helping kids in need in their hometowns

Full-Team Give-Backs to the Badger Community

Athletes from Women’s Hockey, Women’s Basketball and Women’s Tennis teams raised money for holiday drives including Toys For Tots, Ronald McDonald House and Empty Stocking Club

Engagement Opportunities with Athletes

Are you a brand or business? Looking to work with a UW athelete but not sure where to start? A wholly owned LLC subsidiary of The Varsity Collective Charitable Fund, Inc., VC Connect facilitates brand deals and partnerships between Wisconsin Badger student-athletes. VC Connect works to create unique branding opportunities that elevate all parties involved.

Create a brand deal or business partnership with Badger student-athletes

Book an appearance from a student-athlete for your business, organization or personal event

Become a member and get access to Badger exclusives, including free swag and VIP opportunities.

Get Involved

Jump Around on the Go With New Podcasts

Presented by The Varsity Collective, listen as fan-favorite former Badgers interview current athletes and break down life in the B1G spotlight. Subscribe to the newly launched podcasts today!

The Varsity Beat

Join professional basketball player and Wisconsin’s own Sam Dekker as he sits down with today’s star Wisconsin student-athletes and Badger greats of the past, giving you a closer look into some of your favorite Badgers both inside and outside of their sport. Whether you’re a current student, Wisconsin alum or simply a Badger fan, The Varsity Beat is your all-access pass to the Wisconsin Badgers.

Listen to Episode

The Badger Bigs

Former Badger student-athletes Joe and Annie Thomas give inside access to some of the “biggest” figures in Badger athletics. Learn about the joys of iconic Madison landmarks and have conversations with some of the biggest Badgers of today and generations past about life as a super-sized athlete — in their sports, on campus and beyond.

Listen to Episode

Subscribe to the Playbook

Catch all of the latest Badger NIL news and entertainment by subscribing to our monthly newsletter, The Playbook! Plus, you’ll hear first about exclusive opportunities like swag and upcoming The Varsity Collective events.

Contact Us

Have questions, comments, feedback? Want to get in touch about an opportunity that’s not currently on our site? Use the form below to contact us.