New Ways To Support Wildcat NIL Opportunities

TUCSON, Ariz. – The Wildcat Family has continued its support of Arizona student-athletes since the enactment of Name, Image and Likeness legislation by the NCAA in July of 2021. Loyal supporters and key members of the Southern Arizona community have developed external and independent opportunities, outside of the University of Arizona, for student-athletes to engage in NIL activities through the creation of two new collectives.

The Arizona Assist Club and the Friends of Wilbur and Wilma Collective will serve as new organizations aimed at connecting businesses within the community and the Wildcat Family's extensive network with student-athletes for NIL opportunities. These new entities will aim to connect student-athletes with businesses, help grow opportunities for student-athletes to serve the Southern Arizona community and make an impact at home.

Built specifically for Arizona Men's Basketball student-athletes, the Arizona Assist Club will connect fans to the men's basketball program and student-athletes like never before. The Arizona Assist Club has established a member-driven website and exclusive marketplace for Wildcat basketball fans to receive unique benefits, merchandise, memorabilia, and opportunities to engage with student-athletes through VIP events and experiences. Visit Arizona Assist on Instagram or on Facebook.

The Friends of Wilbur and Wilma Collective is a NIL venture that will support the creation and development of NIL business opportunities for all student-athletes of Arizona's 21 athletic programs. Founded by loyal Wildcat supporters Cole Davis and Humberto Lopez, Friends of Wilbur and Wilma will utilize Blueprint Sports technology to learn more about supporting Arizona student-athletes NIL opportunities and connect with them.

These two new entities are NIL opportunities in addition to the athletics department's Arizona EDGE program, which was created in conjunction with the University of Arizona, the Rogers College of Law, Eller College of Management and INFLCR among others. Arizona Athletics is excited to see its community continue to support NIL opportunities of Arizona student-athletes.

Mike Smith

General Manager

Mike Smith joined Micconope 1851 in March 2023 and is excited to be the General Manager and looks forward to working with Blueprint Sports increase NIL revenue generation for Florida State University student-athletes. Smith comes to Micconope 1851 from Catawba College where he held the title as the Senior Director of Athletics, Development. Prior to working in Athletics at Catawba College, Mike served as the Associate Athletics Director for External Relations at Charleston Southern University. Smith has an impressive background in the collegiate athletics industry, having held senior level development and corporate sponsorship sales roles at The University of Southern Mississippi, Limestone University, the Sun Belt Conference, Florida Atlantic University, and with multimedia rights-holders Tele South Communications at the University of Mississippi, Learfield Sports at UNC Chapel Hill, and with International Sports Properties at Georgia Tech. Smith is a graduate of North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North Carolina, and holds a master’s degree in Business Management from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. In his new role here at Micconppe 1851, Smith will be responsible for raising major gifts for NIL deals as well as securing NIL corporate sponsorships for Florida State University student-athletes. Mike looks forward to helping ensure the FSU student-athletes have the resources and leadership opportunities to remain competitive nationally and positioned for success well beyond graduation. Mike is married to Katy Smith; the couple looks forward to relocating to Tallahassee, Florida, and becoming a part of the Micconope 1851 and Seminole family!

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