Connecting brands and Buffs through Buffs NIL Exchange
In partnership with INFLCR, a national leader in student-athlete brand building, and the University of Colorado Athletics, launch Buffs NIL Exchange, a platform that connects CU student-athletes to outside entities to develop NIL opportunities.
By registering through the free online portal, businesses can partner directly with CU athletes. Registering businesses must receive approval from CU Athletics before branding proceedings and business-athlete partnerships must meet Colorado legislature requirements and follow University protocols.
“I’m thrilled we can offer the Buffs NIL Exchange as our NIL platform for all Buff supporters and current student-athletes,” CU Athletic Director Rick George said in the Jan. 20 press release. “This platform will tremendously increase the NIL opportunities for our student-athletes while supporting local and national businesses. We are excited for our student-athletes to capitalize in this new landscape and look forward to having our supporters and businesses utilize this platform!”
After completing the four-step registration process, negotiations will solely be between the business and the athlete within the INFLCR app. Businesses can search the database of student-athletes and then message athletes directly within the platform. This system will provide audience engagement analytics for the athletes and the department, along with data that impacts recruiting, fundraising and other department goals. In addition, a payment processing and tax reporting tool is included within the portal.
“INFLCR and Colorado Athletics will not be a party to the negotiations. Those will be conducted strictly between the student-athlete and the interested business,” according to the press release.
The athletic department wants to further promote and cater to the athletes through creating a, “multifaceted, nationwide” marketing campaign. Also, the department assembled a staff covering Compliance, Leadership and Career Development, Marketing and Player Development to increase NIL opportunities for CU athletes.
Student-athletes will also receive incentives from the department and they can receive benefits this semester, up to $5,980 per academic year.
“The Buffs NIL Exchange opens the door for Colorado student-athletes to connect with businesses in their own backyard,” said INFLCR President Jim Cavale in the press release. “Colorado has been utilizing INFLCR since 2019 to empower their student-athletes with technology to grow their personal brands. The addition of their customized Local Exchange platform positions them as leaders in the collegiate NIL space, giving their student-athletes the ability to use INFLCR’s core features to grow their brands and the Buffs NIL Exchange to capitalize on those efforts.”
