CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The Division of Intercollegiate Athletics is proud to announce NIL Impact, an innovative new campaign designed to galvanize support for student-athlete name, image and likeness (NIL) activities. Last year's state law granted student-athletes the right to earn third-party compensation for outside work, and recent amendments to state legislation have allowed for Illinois Athletics to become more actively involved in identifying and amplifying student-athlete NIL ventures.

"The past several years of college athletics have been characterized by intense change and widespread disruption. Whether arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, conference realignment, governance conversations, or changes to transfer regulations, Illinois has consistently attempted to convert disruption into opportunity," said Director of Athletics Josh Whitman. "NIL has introduced a new paradigm across the country, and our NIL Impact campaign presents another chance for Illinois Athletics to assert itself as a leader and create sustained success."

To date, Illinois' NIL strategy has been focused primarily on education, and the NIL Impact campaign adds a necessary development component to the department's approach.

"NIL has now become a game of resources, and the Illinois fan base has stronger resources than anyone in the country. If we can win NIL, we can win championships," said head men's basketball coach Brad Underwood.

Among the key support mechanisms for NIL Impact will be Illini Guardians, the third-party entity designed to support Illinois student-athletes in this new space. Illini Guardians is primarily a fundraising organization, and the proceeds from Illini Guardians contributions are collectively pooled to create impactful, community-oriented NIL opportunities for Illinois student-athletes. DIA staff plans to work closely with Illini Guardians to ensure utmost integrity, rules compliance and effectiveness of all NIL activities.

"The best way to energize a program is through fan support, and the two best ways to support us right now are by subscribing to Illini Guardians and packing the house," said head women's basketball Coach Shauna Green.

The NIL Impact campaign offers three actionable paths for supporters:

• Join the Collective: Illini Guardians offers various subscription packages which provide fan engagement through a cohesive structure designed exclusively for the benefit of Fighting Illini student-athletes. Learn more at illiniguardians.com.
• Work Directly with Student-Athletes: Reach out to NILimpact@illinois.edu or any member of the Office of Athletic Development. Our staff can assist you in working with our student-athletes for specific opportunities.
• Arrange a Corporate Marketing Opportunity: Partner with Illinois student-athletes for your promotional services using the Illinois Marketplace at opendorse.com/illinois-fightingillini. You may also reach out to NILimpact@illinois.edu or any member of the Office of Athletic Development for assistance.

NIL experiences have quickly emerged as a major focus of student-athlete attention across the country.

"NIL is becoming an important part of the whole student-athlete experience," explained head volleyball coach Chris Tamas. "We can solidify ourselves as perennial contenders if we can establish an advantage in NIL for all of our sports."

Since last year's changes went into effect, several national programs have already observed significant outcomes resulting in part from movements in the NIL landscape. While NIL structures have taken many forms, new developments have consistently shown the ability to affect the competitive environment.

"Our needs are significant, but our opportunity is much greater," said head football coach Bret Bielema. "If our people can mobilize to support NIL right now, we can quickly take this program to heights that we've never seen before."