A call to arms: Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh endorses NIL collective

Michigan football has continued its push for an elite NIL program with the release of MPower, an initiative designed to help U-M student athletes with their branding opportunities “for life.” Head coach Jim Harbaugh recently publicly endorsed Champions Circle™ NIL collective as a trusted partner in the pursuit of championships at Michigan in the new era of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness).

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“Champions Circle™ & Valiant Management Group embody the core values of our program by providing NIL opportunities for our student-athletes. I consider them to be a trusted agent and encourage our Michigan Family to support them in their NIL efforts,” Harbaugh said in a statement. 

In his public endorsement video, coach Harbaugh added “I encourage ALL of you to contribute to Champions Circle™ which provides direct support to our dedicated student-athletes to ensure that they are Victors in the classroom, in the community and on the playing field.”

Champions Circle™ Co-Founder, CEO of Valiant Management Group, and Michigan Football alum Jared Wangler added, “We believe strongly that it is important to reward University of Michigan student-athletes for the value they bring to the university, but in keeping with Michigan traditions, it is also important to help the athletes develop the personal, leadership and financial skills to succeed far into the future. Our coaches recruit the right student-athletes to the University of Michigan, and the Champions Circle™ will support their efforts by rewarding sustained educational achievement and personal development. 

“Whether you’re a student, alum or fan, it’s great to be a Michigan Wolverine. This is your opportunity to make an impact on student-athletes and help Michigan win championships across all sports.”

Michigan alum Wangler lauds ‘greater understanding’ and progress

 A year ago, Wangler told us last month, many were still scrambling to understand the landscape and how to make it work. While others were throwing money around and making promises they’d break, Champions Circle stayed on a steady and responsible path. 

“Now we just have an understanding of how it actually works. A year ago, many were asking where the money was going, if they were throwing it into a fund… what does it do? What are the kids around the country really getting paid – is anything real?” he said. “I think you’re now starting to see a market shape around it. There’s a better understanding of what’s compliant and what isn’t.

“The NCAA is continuing to come out with updated guidance. The administration is doing a great job communicating with coaches what to do, what not to do, so everyone’s got a better feel there.”

But it still comes down to people donating money. Michigan has made progress there, but there’s still plenty of work to do. 
“The donors have been watching this play out around the country trying to gain comfortability with how this actually works,” Wangler added. “That’s still one of the last pieces in the puzzle here — just getting more of a concentrated effort by all the donors whether it’s one collective, a group working together. 

“We’re day by day working toward that, which ultimately benefits the student athletes and the intention of it benefiting Michigan athletics, designating us a place with great NIL opportunities on top of great education and just the great network that is Michigan.”

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ABOUT CHAMPIONS CIRCLE™ – Founded in 2022, Champions Circle™ is a community of fans, alumni, and supporters whose goal is empowering all University of Michigan student-athletes to be the leaders and best through name, image, and likeness.

Champions Circle™ is committed to operating within the NCAA and university guidelines to ensure Michigan remains at the forefront of college athletics. Champions Circle™ partners with Valiant Management Group (VMG) to produce NIL events, curate NIL-related experiences, and assist with fundraising and marketing activities.

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