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I've alluded to this a couple of times, but I think it's time to unveil the concept to all of you and gather some feedback.
In talking to Shocker fans and potential NIL donors, the biggest thing that always comes up is transparency - so I've been working on a model that embraces transparency instead of neglecting it and focused on the STUDENT-ATHLETE first.
Presenting Wheatshocker Collective, a new NIL model built for the everyday fan who wants to support their teams.
Wheatshocker Collective | Wichita State NIL
Some highlights of the model and a TL:DR -
FUNDS TRANSPARENCY
Our live tracker shows the share each Men's Basketball player is receiving monthly, updated within one day of all new club memberships.
^ This addresses a huge need of the fanbase and helps you DIRECTLY see the impact of you and your fellow donors instantly. No wondering where your money went or what it's being spent on.
ATHLETE FREEDOM
Wheatshocker Collective will not limit any outside NIL activities and does not take a percentage of NIL money earned outside of the Men's Basketball Club
^ Taking a cut of funds outside of our scope just doesn't make any sense. Exclusivity in NIL is not conductive with helping athletes succeed, rather with making a profit off their rights. This isn't an agency or talent management company.
EQUAL PAYMENT
All MBB student-athletes signed with Wheatshocker Collective receive an equal split of Men's Basketball Club funds.
^ This harkens back to the original purpose of NIL - helping support athletes. Instead of relying on the average fan ponying up big bucks, this is designed to set a reliable baseline for all athletes that compensates them reasonably for what they do for the university, helping EVERYONE.
TL:DR
The goal of this project is to make direct contributions transparent and have at least 90% going straight to the athletes with as little of a take as possible. It's 100% not-for-profit, although it is registered as an LLC to avoid stepping on the IRS' toes over recent rulings. It is absolutely NOT a competition with Armchair, who is very much needed to put together larger packages and funnel private money. Rather, a more direct opportunity for the common fan. The benefits of behind-the-scenes access and more direct and accessible contact to keep donors engaged is also a huge priority.
THE NEXT STEPS:
We've got a meeting scheduled with ADKS in mid-March as well as meetings with several NIL Software companies over the coming weeks in order to determine the best fit for cost that takes as little as possible from the athletes. In addition, once all that is in place we'll be looking to sign incoming recruits & those who are sticking around to begin supporting our student-athletes ASAP and prepare for 24-25.
I'd love to hear feedback, thoughts, etc on this before those meetings in order to "take a pulse" on this idea and how Shocker fans feel about it. Industry insiders and college hoops media that I've presented it to have loved it, but at the end of the day the fanbase is the most important part. All criticism is welcome and will be taken appropriately!
In talking to Shocker fans and potential NIL donors, the biggest thing that always comes up is transparency - so I've been working on a model that embraces transparency instead of neglecting it and focused on the STUDENT-ATHLETE first.
Presenting Wheatshocker Collective, a new NIL model built for the everyday fan who wants to support their teams.
Wheatshocker Collective | Wichita State NIL
Some highlights of the model and a TL:DR -
FUNDS TRANSPARENCY
Our live tracker shows the share each Men's Basketball player is receiving monthly, updated within one day of all new club memberships.
^ This addresses a huge need of the fanbase and helps you DIRECTLY see the impact of you and your fellow donors instantly. No wondering where your money went or what it's being spent on.
ATHLETE FREEDOM
Wheatshocker Collective will not limit any outside NIL activities and does not take a percentage of NIL money earned outside of the Men's Basketball Club
^ Taking a cut of funds outside of our scope just doesn't make any sense. Exclusivity in NIL is not conductive with helping athletes succeed, rather with making a profit off their rights. This isn't an agency or talent management company.
EQUAL PAYMENT
All MBB student-athletes signed with Wheatshocker Collective receive an equal split of Men's Basketball Club funds.
^ This harkens back to the original purpose of NIL - helping support athletes. Instead of relying on the average fan ponying up big bucks, this is designed to set a reliable baseline for all athletes that compensates them reasonably for what they do for the university, helping EVERYONE.
TL:DR
The goal of this project is to make direct contributions transparent and have at least 90% going straight to the athletes with as little of a take as possible. It's 100% not-for-profit, although it is registered as an LLC to avoid stepping on the IRS' toes over recent rulings. It is absolutely NOT a competition with Armchair, who is very much needed to put together larger packages and funnel private money. Rather, a more direct opportunity for the common fan. The benefits of behind-the-scenes access and more direct and accessible contact to keep donors engaged is also a huge priority.
THE NEXT STEPS:
We've got a meeting scheduled with ADKS in mid-March as well as meetings with several NIL Software companies over the coming weeks in order to determine the best fit for cost that takes as little as possible from the athletes. In addition, once all that is in place we'll be looking to sign incoming recruits & those who are sticking around to begin supporting our student-athletes ASAP and prepare for 24-25.
I'd love to hear feedback, thoughts, etc on this before those meetings in order to "take a pulse" on this idea and how Shocker fans feel about it. Industry insiders and college hoops media that I've presented it to have loved it, but at the end of the day the fanbase is the most important part. All criticism is welcome and will be taken appropriately!
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