South Carolina NIL collectives merge, will continue as Garnet Trust
There is now just one NIL (name, image, and likeness) collective supporting University of South Carolina athletics.
Garnet Trust and Carolina Rise announced an official merger to Gamecocks fans on Thursday afternoon.
The move could give clarity to South Carolina athletics supporters who were unsure which collective to join in the past, and will also maximize the way in which raised funding could be deployed in Columbia.
“As college athletics and the NIL space continue to evolve, it is important for us to adapt to best serve the student-athletes we represent,” said Jeremy Smith, Director of Operations for Garnet Trust. “Consolidation and clarity for our fans, donors, and the businesses through which our student-athletes work is paramount, and this combination allows us to capitalize on strengths and focus our collective energy on serving USC’s student-athletes across all sports.”
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Originally formed in November of 2021, Garnet Trust struck a partnership with USC in July of 2023 to become the official NIL partner of the school.
Garnet Trust is set up as an LLC and provides benefits to South Carolina fans who join as monthly or annual members.
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For instance, those that subscribe at the “Horseshoe” level – $25 per month – also get access to the Gamecocks+ video streaming platform.
A charitable arm – Garnet Trust Foundation – also exists. It matches athletes with partner charitable organizations for events and awareness.
Garnet Trust said in a release on Thursday that it expects to work with over 200 Gamecock student-athletes during the 2024 calendar year.
“It’s an exciting time for NIL, but it’s an exhilarating time for the University of South Carolina,” said Mark Bonnoitt, who serves as the Director of Development for Garnet Trust. “For fans and supporters of both collectives, we’re thankful for your support and appreciate the impact it is making on our student-athletes.”
