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Razorback Football Players Launch Paid Fan Club

2 min read

A group of more than 80 University of Arkansas football players has launched a paid fan club that aims to capitalize on new NCAA rules allowing them to profit off their name, image and likeness.

The Fayetteville NIL Club offers offers access to in-person and digital events with players. Events include meet-and-greets, autograph sessions and member tailgates. Members will also have access to player-generated content on past games, upcoming matchups, practice updates and more, according to the group’s website.

Participating players will split the profits evenly. Dax Courtney, Jacorrei Turner, Khari Johnson and Jaylen Lewis are among those involved. 

“We believe there is a better way for us to use NIL to enhance our program and support our mission of winning,” the group said in a statement. “Arkansas football is about the TEAM. … Including everyone will allow us to reach our maximum potential on and off the field.”

A limited number of memberships will go on sale in July. The price has not been announced.

The NCAA last summer began allowing athletes to profit from NIL agreements, triggering a rush of deals between businesses and individual players. Linebacker Bumper Pool has agreements with Stephens Inc. of Little Rock and Slim Chickens of Fayetteville. Basketball player Au’Diese Toney agreed to a deal with Westrock Orthodontics in Fayetteville. And at least two UA athletes have signed deals with the WWE: offensive lineman Dalton Wagner and track and field athlete Ruben Banks. The wrestling and entertainment company is using NIL deals to build its talent pipeline.

In April, the University of Arkansas announced a group licensing agreement with Florida marketing agency The Brandr Group that covers all of the school’s 19 teams. The agreement allows for the collective use of student-athletes’ NIL in licensing and marketing programs, co-branded with the Arkansas logos and marks.

The University of Arkansas and Arkansas State University in Jonesboro have created websites to aid and monitor their athletes’ NIL agreements.

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