Bumble signs 50 women to NIL deals for Title IX's 50th anniversary

Bumble, the self-described “women-first dating and social networking app,” is honoring the 50th anniversary of Title IX with 50 yearlong NIL deals with female athletes through a campaign called “50for50.” Each athlete will receive a one-year deal with the same compensation, according to Bumble.

Title IX, which is part of the Education Amendments of 1972, has had a particular impact on college athletics, even though the federal law applies to education and federal funding more broadly.

The text of Title IX states, “No person in the United States shall, based on sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”

Thursday, June 23, marks the 50th anniversary of Title IX and companies, such as Bumble, are celebrating the day through NIL deals.

Artist Marlene “Motion Mami” Marmolejos created a custom video and digital trading card for each athlete who signed an NIL deal with Bumble. On its website, Bumble displayed the digital trading cards for 25 of the athletes who are part of the campaign.

NIL deals celebrate ‘athletes who work just as hard as their male counterparts’

“These sponsorships are an exciting step in empowering and spotlighting a diverse range of some of the most remarkable collegiate women athletes from across the country. Athletes who work just as hard as their male counterparts, and should be seen and heard,” Christina Hardy, Bumble’s Director of Talent and Influencer, said in a statement. “In honor of the 50th anniversary of Title IX, we are so proud to stand alongside these women and are looking forward to celebrating their many achievements throughout the year.”

Twenty-five of the athletes, who represent 10 different sports, are listed on Bumble’s website:

— Aaliyah Moore, Texas basketball
— Lexi Ellis, Oregon track and field
— Alia Logoleo, Clemson softball
— Alissa Pili, USC basketball
— Casaundra Moses, NC State swimming
— Dominique Mustin, Texas A&M track and field
— Emily Javedan, Johns Hopkins tennis
— Genesis Bryant, Illinois basketball
— Haleigh Bryant, LSU gymnastics
— Jada Moore, Kansas State basketball
— Jada Peacock, Hofstra basketball
— Janell Fitzgerald, Texas State volleyball
— Jazlyn Jefferson, Hampton track and field
— Josie Mallory, Howard lacrosse
— Kateri Poole, Ohio State basketball
— Knisha Godfrey, TCU basketball
— Koi Love, USC basketball
— Lavender Briggs, Maryland basketball
— Maile Hayes, Texas A&M soccer
— Nicole Whitaker, UCF track and field
— Nina Columbia, South Carolina equestrian
— Shaye Story, Stanford water polo
— Silent Rain Espinoza, Washington softball
— Tamia Toni Badal, Colorado track and field
— Tyra Gittens, Texas track and field

“Partnering with Bumble and announcing this campaign on the anniversary of Title IX is very special,” Oregon track and field athlete Lexi Ellis said in a statement. “I am grateful for the progress that has been made for women in sports, and am proud to be part of Bumble’s ’50for50’ to help continue moving the needle and striving for more. I look forward to standing alongside so many incredible athletes for this campaign throughout the year.”