— By Bill Cornwell
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Marshall University has turned to a national leader specializing in Name, Image and Likeness to link MU athletes with fans interested in supporting them financially and otherwise.
Lexington, Kentucky-based Athlete Advantage has signed a multi-year deal with Marshall Athletics to become Marshall’s NIL management partner.
The partnership will allow Marshall fans and businesses to contribute to student-athletes NIL accounts through The Thunder Trust collective as well as enabling corporate partners and supporters’ greater access and unique experiences which will be announced later.
Former Marshall men’s basketball player and Logan native Stevie Browning will work locally for Athlete Advantage and serve as general manager for the Thunder Trust.
“The new collegiate athletic enterprise is going to require new ways of getting this done, particularly around NIL,” Marshall Director of Athletics Christian Spears said. “Partnering with a group that has proven they can do this at an elite level was critical for us to maintain who we are and who we want to continue to be – we are grateful to have Athlete Advantage on board with us. Then for them to accept our recommendation and adding Stevie to their team as our GM here at Marshall confirms that awesome decision we all made together.”
Athlete Advantage Founder and Chief Executive Officer Ryan Miller says adding Marshall Athletics to his company’s portfolio is evidence of its growth.
“The University, Huntington, and the region have been a significant and vital part of my life,” Miller said. “I’m excited to collaborate with the student-athletes, coaches, administrators, fans, and businesses that work together to make Marshall one of the great institutions in the country. I do not doubt that this community can compete with any other regarding its commitment and passion for its teams and players.”
Browning says that his extended involvement with athletics at Marshall gives him a voice to help current Thundering Herd athletes succeed.
“I am committed to using my experiences and connections in the community to help our student-athletes,” Browning said. “Together, we will create a supportive and empowering environment that not only enhances their athletic careers, but also strengthens our community.”
Athlete Advantage also has NIL administration deals with Western Kentucky and DePaul.