CHICAGO (May 23, 2023) – Keepers of the Culture, a third-party Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) Collective, has been named the Official NIL Collective Sponsor of Loyola Athletics through a partnership with Rambler Sports Properties.
The agreement allows Keepers of the Culture to capitalize on Loyola University Chicago’s brand and marketing assets to maximize NIL opportunities for Rambler student-athletes including increased branding, education, community partnerships and more. The partnership was negotiated by Rambler Sports Properties, Loyola Chicago’s multimedia rights holder.
“We’re thrilled to be working alongside Keepers of the Culture to continue advancing Loyola University Chicago’s NIL offerings,” said Steve Watson, director of athletics. “This exciting new partnership will allow the collective to enhance its support for our student-athletes and provide first-class NIL opportunities.”
Fans, alumni and supporters who commit to Keepers of the Culture are maximizing opportunities for student-athletes to build their brand and earn compensation through NIL opportunities provided by the collective.
“As the Official NIL Sponsor of Loyola Athletics, Keepers of the Culture is looking forward to bringing more awareness and more opportunities to our student-athletes,” said Christian Thomas (’15) former Rambler men’s basketball player and Keepers of the Culture alumni advisor. “Our values are aligned with the Loyola values of service, and we are looking forward to providing value for our student-athletes through NIL while staying true to those values.”
Supporters can contribute to the collective in a variety of ways, including one-time or recurring tax-deductible donations through Keepers of the Culture’s partnership with the BPS Foundation, a national 501c3 organization. Supporters can also contribute through a non-tax-deductible contribution or marketing expense. Visit keepersoftheculturenil.com for more information on all contribution options.
Keepers of the Culture was formed in February of 2023. Led by former Rambler basketball players Thomas and Christopher Knight (MBA’22), Keepers of the Culture has already made an impact in the community through activations like this visit by the men’s basketball team to the Misericordia Heart of Mercy Home in Chicago. During the visit, the team played games and hosted drills with the Misericordia residents.
About Keepers of the Culture
Keepers of the Culture is a fan-driven and alumni-led Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) program for Loyola University Chicago student-athletes, alumni, and fans. Community members who commit their support to Keepers of the Culture, are pledging to maximize opportunities for student-athletes to build their brand and earn compensation. In addition, community supporters gain access to exclusive events, autograph sessions, and more. Keepers of the Culture is powered by parent company Blueprint Sports. For more information visit keepersoftheculturenil.com and follow @KOTCNIL on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
About NIL
On June 30, 2021, the Division I Board of Directors approved an interim name, image, and likeness policy. This new policy allows all NCAA DI, DII, and DIII student-athletes to be compensated for their NIL as of July 1, 2021. Student-athletes can now engage in paid community appearances, autograph sessions, youth coaching engagements, and sports marketing campaigns.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Allison Monette, Keepers of the Culture NIL, allison@blueprintsports.com, 702-373-7190