Bozeman, MT (February 16, 2023) – The Bobcat Collective, the NIL program supporting Montana State University student-athletes, is expanding to support the men’s and women’s basketball teams. The first initiative from these partnerships includes the creation of custom merchandise for each player. Proceeds from the sales of these items will directly benefit each player.

“We are beyond excited to welcome these teams to the collective,” said Bobcat Collective Executive Director and MSU alum Brandon Vancleeve. “The primary goal of the collective is to enhance the image and presence of these players and help them benefit from all of the hard work they put into their sport, and we are eager to bring opportunities to these dedicated student-athletes.”

“After seeing the success of the partnership with the football team, we knew this was something we wanted for our athletes as well. They give it their all on the court and deserve the opportunities that NIL can provide,” said the Bobcat Collective’s Women’s Basketball Representative Richard Bratton.

One unique feature of the women’s basketball collection is Kola Bad Bear’s merchandise line. Kola is using her merchandise to raise awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) and will be donating a portion of her proceeds to Montana State’s MMIP student organization.

Supporters have multiple options to engage with The Bobcat Collective. Contributions can be made through the BPS Foundation, a 501c3 organization dedicated to educate, encourage and assist student-athletes in their efforts to engage with the local community through charitable causes. Other opportunities for partnership include brand alignment with local businesses to create custom marketing campaigns, speaking engagements, autograph sessions and more. More information can be found at bobcatcollective.com.

The Bobcat Collective launched in mid-2022 with support for approximately 80 MSU football student-athletes. Since inception, the collective has completed more than 100 NIL deals with the Montana State football team.

About The Bobcat Collective

The Bobcat Collective is a fan-driven and alumni-led Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) collective for Montana State University student-athletes, alumni, and fans. Community members who commit their support to the Bobcat Collective, 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. The Bobcat Collective is powered by parent company Blueprint Sports. For more information visit bobcatcollective.com and follow @BobcatCollectiv on Facebook and Twitter and @thebobcatcollective on Instagram.

About Name, Image, Likeness (NIL)

On June 30, 2021, the Division 1 Board of Directors approved an interim name, image, and likeness policy. This new policy allows all NCAA D1, D2, and D3 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 Contacts:

For Bobcat Collective and Blueprint Sports – The Ferraro Group Heidi Goitia / 928-220-1747 Heidi@theferrarogroup.com