New Licensing Agreement Opportunities for U of Montana Athletes

Name. Image. Likeness. The NIL era of college athletics is a force.

While far from perfect, it is becoming part of the fabric of the recruiting process. Whether it's the promise of major lucrative deals for the most prominent of athletes in their respective sport, or smaller stipends to at least provide adequate incentives to stay at a chosen school, teams are adjusting to either stepping a bit harder on the gas pedal or pulling over on the shoulder.

That includes the University of Montana, where Griz Sports Information Director EricTaber tells us UM has established a new group licensing agreement with licensing and marketing agency The Brandr Group (TBG) for the university’s student-athletes covering all 15 Grizzly varsity sports.

OPPORTUNITY

This partnership will enable Griz student-athletes to profit off their Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) through a number of opportunities that will be co-branded with Montana’s official trademarks and logos. TBG will manage and administer the program as well as develop licensing opportunities on behalf of the student-athletes. They also boast a pretty impressive resume, managing some of the world's largest brands. TBG also manages the group rights program for the NFL, NBA and MLB players' associations, in addition to major collegiate brands such as Alabama, Colorado, Georgia, Michigan, Ohio State, and Texas.

WHAT TBG HAS TO SAY

In explaining their desire to partner with the Griz, The Brandr Group vice president of program development Rick Perko was quoted as saying, "Montana’s athletic programs are a driving force in the Northwest and Big Sky Conference, and we’re excited to help write a new chapter into their storied tradition by helping to create new, lucrative opportunities for its student-athletes.

"Thanks to this group licensing agreement, these student-athletes will be able to benefit from their NIL through co-branded opportunities across the Montana merchandising portfolio. We’re excited to enter a new season alongside Montana athletics and bring this program to life for their student-athletes and their passionate fans.”

AND SPEAKING OF THOSE FANS...

Eric Taber also tells us that Montana Grizzly fans can expect to be able to purchase official Grizzly and Lady Griz merchandise, including team jerseys with the name and number of players who have joined the program, once TBG enters into agreements with applicable school trademark licensees.

Products that combine team logos and player names and numbers have accounted for a large portion of licensed sports merchandise sales at the professional level for decades. Here's hoping that this program opens the door for the same opportunities for Griz student-athletes.