Wisconsin Badgers Make Significant Move to Bolster NIL Efforts

In the ever-evolving world of name, image, and likeness, the Wisconsin Badgers athletic department refuses to be left behind.

Pete Nakos, a college athletics business reporter for On3, conveyed that Altius Sports Partners is officially adding a Partner Services Manager at Wisconsin, in an effort to strengthen the Badgers’ growing NIL department.

Altius Sports Partners is adding a Partner Services Manager at Wisconsin, strengthening the Badgers’ NIL department.

The role will be focused on existing business opportunities and exploring new engagements.

— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) February 15, 2024

This role is expected to focus on existing business opportunities and explore potential new engagements with outside entities such as businesses, brands, donors, and community stakeholders to maximize possibilities for all Wisconsin Badgers student-athletes.

What It Means for the Wisconsin Badgers

Sep 15, 2018; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers mascot Bucky Badger runs onto the field prior to the game against the BYU Cougars at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

With the addition of an in-house Partner Services Manager, the Wisconsin Badgers athletic department has now taken meaningful steps to take the NIL burden off the plate of their athletes and instead provide them expert counsel and resources to maximize their earning potential. 

Having someone who handles those relationships on their behalf while maintaining compliance with the NCAA’s NIL regulations will be invaluable for everyone while simplifying the process for prospective organizations interested in doing business with athletes.

“In our commitment to the holistic development of our student-athletes, we strive to provide them with an array of resources and expert counsel right at their fingertips,” Deputy Athletic Director Mitchell Pinta said in a press release. “With the addition of the ASP NIL Partner Services Manager, our focus sharpens on developing commercial opportunities that will serve our student-athletes, ensuring they have the support, guidance, and opportunities to thrive both on and off the field.”

In short, the University of Wisconsin values doing things the right way but also wants to keep pace in the competitive NIL landscape. 

Credit to the Wisconsin Badgers for being proactive in adding this job rather than reactive to other schools doing something similar. 

Why It Matters for University of Wisconsin Athletics 

Let’s call a spade a spade. If the Wisconsin Badgers are going to compete in recruiting at the high school level and in the transfer portal, NIL will be a massive topic of discussion for almost every player they pursue. 

Having outlets like the Varsity Collective, the Camp Randall Club, and now in-house staff committed to helping Badgers players maintain and pursue NIL opportunities is a massive boon for these young athletes who don’t know how to navigate these choppy waters responsibly. 

The athletic department now has a way of ensuring that no shady business is conducted with the Wisconsin Badgers student-athletes of interest so no regulations could come back and harm them in the future. 

Plus, having staff dedicated to this type of work managing NIL efforts on your behalf can’t hurt their recruiting pitch. Some athletes will want to hear a number up front, but the University of Wisconsin has gone out of its way to make sure once you officially join the Badgers family, you’re taken care of—this just furthers that sentiment. 

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