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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Wildcats’ Den NIL Collective Launches New Membership Program

Memberships start at $25/month and provide direct support for K-State student-athletes.

(Manhattan, KS) September 21, 2023 – The Wildcats’ Den, the premier Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) collective of K-State student-athletes announced the launch of its new membership program. In the Spring of 2023, the collective unveiled a new partnership with national NIL leader Blueprint Sports. Originally founded by former K-State wide receiver and NFL legend Aaron Lockett, the Wildcats’ Den has been providing NIL deals to student-athletes through various corporate sponsorships and paid appearances.  

 

“We are excited to introduce the membership program and show the power in numbers behind the K-State community,” said Lockett. “Membership will bring fans closer to their favorite student-athletes through special events and perks designed for each level of giving.” 

 

In addition to Aaron Lockett, a group of notable K-State football lettermen and current NFL players are also showing the support for the collective. Kevin Lockett, former wide receiver and punter returner for the Kansas City Chiefs, Tyler Lockett, wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks, Darren Sproles, former running back for the Philadelphia Eagles, and Michael Bishop, former quarterback for the New England Patriots, are all seen in this video, calling to all K-State alumni and fans to join the collective through membership.  

 

The Wildcats’ Den membership program is unlike any other in the Manhattan collegiate marketplace and is designed with affordable levels that accommodate various budgets. Membership options start as low as $25 per month and extend to $2,500 annually. Each membership tier offers donors a specific level of athlete engagement opportunities and on-campus access including exclusive meet and greets, digital content, autographed swag, and more. With the membership programs also comes a rebranded website, where fans will be able to get the latest news and content about K-State student-athletes.  

 

“The support from the K-State lettermen and the community at large has been overwhelming,” said Logan Craghead, General Manager of the Wildcats’ Den collective. “We know it takes a lot of people working together to make these NIL deals happen and we are grateful to everyone who chooses to support K-State student-athletes through their membership dollars.”   

 

To join the collective and find other ways to support K-State student-athletes visit thewildcatsden.com  and follow @wildcatsdenksu on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.  

 

About Wildcats’ Den 

 

The Wildcats’ Den is a fan-driven and alumni-led Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) collective for Kansas State student-athletes, alumni, and fans. Community members who commit their support to the Wildcats’ Den 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 Wildcats’ Den is powered by parent company Blueprint Sports. For more information visit  

thewildcatsden.com  and follow @wildcatsdenksu on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.  

 

 

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Media Contacts: 

Logan Craghead, The Wildcats’ Den General Manager 

logan@thewildcatsden.com 

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Nate Brown

General Manager

Nate Brown is the General Manager of Zags Collective, leading the charge to help amplify the opportunities for the Gonzaga student-athletes through NIL partnerships with local charities, fans and businesses. With over a decade of experience in the professional sports industry and as a former business owner in Spokane, Nate is a seasoned professional who knows what it takes to succeed. Most recently, he served as the National Sales Director for a prominent west-coast real estate company, where he was responsible for driving growth and retention. With a deep understanding of sales and marketing, Nate brings a wealth of knowledge to the table and is always seeking innovative ways to drive revenue and create partnerships.With a passion for ensuring the success of student-athletes both on and off the field, Nate is dedicated to providing the necessary resources to keep Gonzaga competitive on the national stage. He understands the importance of building and maintaining strong relationships with the community and local businesses, and works to maximize opportunities for Gonzaga’s student-athletes. As the son of two Gonzaga alumni, including a father who was a baseball pitcher and also a coach for the school, Nate has a great connection to the university and a passion for ensuring its continued success. Outside of work, Nate enjoys spending time with family, including his wife Jessica and their 16-year-old daughter Brooklynn and 12-year-old son Marcus. When not working or spending time with family, you can find Nate at any one of the amazing golf courses in Spokane, honing his swing!

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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