Arizona to host NIL open house with local businesses on April 18

Arizona will host a name, image and likeness open house on April 18 at the Hall of Champions in the McKale Center. The university has invited businesses in southern Arizona and throughout the region to attend, according to a news release.

“The engaged and supportive businesses of southern Arizona have helped power our athletics department’s success for decades,” Arizona athletic director Dave Heeke said in the release. “This new and exciting event will provide our loyal Wildcat supporters with a new way to enhance our student-athletes’ experience and help them live the Wildcat Way as academic, athletic and life champions. Our open house will center around NIL legislation, educational information and networking to create a learning experience on the unique value student-athletes’ name, image and likeness can provide to local businesses.”

The open house will include a “how to” so business executives can learn how to partner with Arizona athletes for NIL opportunities, a panel discussion with Arizona athletes regarding their past NIL activities, and a discussion where local business executives can share their experiences engaging in NIL activities. Arizona athletes from all of the university’s athletic programs will be in attendance, according to the release.

Arizona supports NIL collectives

Arizona has an NIL educational program called Arizona EDGE.

“Arizona EDGE is guided by the university’s nationally recognized Eller College of Management, FORGE Program and James E. Rogers College of Law and helps student-athletes and businesses navigate NIL protocols to create mutually beneficial brand-strengthening opportunities,” according to a news release. “The program is symbolic of the university’s commitment to preparing student-athletes for success on and off the field and building strong and resilient relationships with southern Arizona businesses and national partners.”

Arizona athletes can also benefit from two NIL collectives: Friends of Wilbur & Wilma and Arizona Assist Club. Friends of Wilbur & Wilma launched in February 2022. It’s backed by the company Blueprint Sports, which provides support to 14 collectives nationally, including collectives that support athletes at Gonzaga, NC State, Penn State, Tennessee and Villanova.

Arizona Assist Club supports Arizona men’s basketball players. Members can join the Cats Club for $10 per month or $100 per year or Top Cats for $100 per month or $1,000 per year. The Century Cats membership level is limited to the first 100 fans who sign up. Businesses can purchase a Corporate Cats membership. Each membership level provides a variety of benefits and fans can purchase player merchandise and memorabilia.