About2023-02-14T14:56:23+00:00

Vision

Rewriting the model for the way student-athletes deserve to be supported in the NIL era, with a uniquely Wisconsin approach that empowers the whole of each student-athlete, enhances their opportunities and creates positive ripples across the community.

Mission

Inspired by the Wisconsin Idea, we’re building bridges for Badger student-athletes with a foundation of lifelong success – maximizing their NIL while equipping them with education and mentorship for the game of life.

ABOUT THE VARSITY COLLECTIVE

The Varsity Collective is anchored in two purposes:

  • Help student-athletes maximize their NIL through education, support and partnerships with community organizations.
  • Equip student-athletes with lifelong insights and mentorship provided by Wisconsin alumni and former athletes at the top of professional fields like sports, finance, entrepreneurship, entertainment, marketing and communications and more.

NIL SUPPORT

Facilitate opportunities for student-athletes to support charitable partnerships and philanthropic efforts across the Wisconsin community through The Varsity Collective Charitable Fund, a 501(c)(3) organization.

STUDENT DEVELOPMENT

Unique programming – including Rep Yourself and Life CurrencyTM – that supports and is accessible to all Badger student-athletes.

NIL SUPPORT

Facilitate opportunities for student-athletes to support charitable partnerships and philanthropic efforts across the Wisconsin community through The Varsity Collective Charitable Fund, a 501(c)(3) organization.

STUDENT DEVELOPMENT

Unique programming – including Rep Yourself and Life CurrencyTM – that supports and is accessible to all Badger student-athletes.

FUNDING THE FUTURE

Establish a sustainable base of donors, businesses and 501(c)(3) charitable partnerships to foster ever-growing NIL opportunities for student-athletes.

BUILDING THE BADGER COMMUNITY

Bring all Wisconsin fans together to empower Badger student-athletes through VC Connect membership and opportunities to engage with student-athletes for individuals, businesses and organizations.

WHAT IS NIL?

Effective July 1, 2021, the NCAA allows student-athletes to receive financial compensation for their name, image and likeness (NIL). The Varsity Collective is independent of the University of Wisconsin and abides by 100% of the letter and spirit of NCAA regulations.

LED BY MANY OF WISCONSIN’S FINEST

Led and backed by a team including many noteworthy Badger athletes and alumni, we will announce additional members of The Varsity Collective’s leadership team during the remainder of 2022 and throughout 2023.

Ted Kellner
Ted KellnerClass of 1969
Brooks Bollinger
Brooks BollingerClass of 2003
Todd DeutschClass of 1994
Kenny Dichter
Kenny DichterClass of 1990
Peter Feigin
Peter Feigin
Megan Jerabek
Megan JerabekClass of 2003
Kim Kelleher
Kim KelleherClass of 1993
Jason Lublin
Jason LublinClass of 1993
Jeff Mack
Jeff MackClass of 2003
Rob Master
Rob MasterClass of 1993
Roger Mansukhani
Roger MansukhaniClass of 1989
Smita Reddy
Smita ReddyClass of 2002
Craig Ross
Craig RossClass of 1995
Paul Wrycha
Paul WrychaClass of 1988

CONTRIBUTE TO THE COLLECTIVE

Your tax-deductible charitable contribution empowers student-athletes to earn their value while bringing out their Badger best in the classroom, in the community, on the field and in the game of life. 

The Varsity Collective partners with Badger student-athletes for charitable partnerships and philanthropic efforts that benefit both the student-athlete and the charitable causes they support in communities across Wisconsin.

The Varsity Collective Charitable Fund, Inc. is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)3 organization, exempt from federal income tax.  Operating as a charitable organization, you may claim your contribution to The Varsity Collective Charitable Fund, Inc. as a charitable income tax deduction.  Please consult your tax advisor for more information.

You can adjust or cancel your reoccurring contributions using this link.

The Varsity Collective Charitable Fund, Inc. has applied for section 501(c)(3) status; it anticipates receiving such status from the IRS with such status being retroactive to the date of incorporation.  As the Varsity Collective Charitable Fund is organized and operating as a charitable organization, you may claim your contribution to The Varsity Collective Charitable Fund, Inc. as a charitable income tax deduction.  Please consult your tax advisor for more information.

You can adjust or cancel your reoccurring contributions using this link.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS NIL?2022-10-04T14:21:07+00:00

Effective July 1, 2021, the NCAA allows student-athletes to receive financial compensation for their name, image and likeness (NIL). The Varsity Collective is independent of the University of Wisconsin and abides by 100% of the letter and spirit of NCAA regulations.

HOW CAN I SUPPORT BADGER STUDENT-ATHLETES?2022-09-09T17:22:24+00:00

You can support Badger student-athletes individually, by team, or in general by clicking here.

IS THE VARSITY COLLECTIVE AFFILIATED WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN?2022-09-09T17:22:44+00:00

No, although our mission is to benefit Badger student-athletes and their community, The Varsity Collective is a separate entity from the University of Wisconsin.

ARE DONATIONS TAX DEDUCTIBLE?2022-10-04T14:38:00+00:00

The Varsity Collective Charitable Fund, Inc. is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)3 organization, exempt from federal income tax.  Operating as a charitable organization, you may claim your contribution to The Varsity Collective Charitable Fund, Inc. as a charitable income tax deduction. Please consult your tax advisor for more information.

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