FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The University of Arkansas Athletics announced a new partnership with Blueprint Sports—a name, image, and, likeness (NIL) collective—to support student-athletes in building their brands and engaging with the community.
Blueprint Sports controls NIL collectives for over 20 universities nationwide, and they are adding the Razorbacks to that roster.
Arkansas Edge is the name of the new group behind helping Razorback athletes control and profit from their NIL. This new program will retire the former OneArkansas NIL Collective, which was launched in August 2022.
The NCAA has previously restricted student-athletes from being able to profit from their NIL while being a college athlete, but the policy changed in 2021.
Through the Arkansas Edge, supporters can make donations and become a member. The memberships start at $25 a month and range to $100 a month. Each membership level has its own perks.
Local and national sponsors can also partner with a Razorback athlete for endorsement deals, marketing campaigns, and appearances.
“As we continue to strategically position our programs to compete and win championships within the SEC and nationally, Arkansas Edge is the optimum way for Razorback fans to support our student-athletes through NIL,” Hunter Yurachek, University of Arkansas’ vice chancellor and director of athletics, said.
Arkansas Edge will debut at the Razorback men's basketball against Duke at Bud Walton Arena on Nov. 29. Fans in attendance will have a chance to win autographed memorabilia.
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