DES MOINES, Iowa – Drake University Athletics and The Brandr Group (TBG) have established a group licensing agreement for Drake's student-athletes as Drake becomes the first Missouri Valley Conference school to partner with TBG. This partnership creates a pathway for the student-athletes to profit off their Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) through a variety of opportunities that will be co-branded with the school's official trademarks and logos.
 
"We are excited to become the first Missouri Valley Conference member to partner with The Brandr Group, the leader of group licensing efforts in our industry," Drake director of athletics Brian Hardin said. "Drake student-athletes will have a new opportunity to capitalize on their name, image, and likeness while fans of the Bulldogs will enjoy additional officially-licensed merchandise and apparel."
 
The collaboration with TBG allows for the collective use of student-athletes' NIL in licensing and marketing programs, co-branded with Drake logos and marks. Student-athletes will have the option to voluntarily join a group licensing program. Participation in the program will not limit any student-athlete's NIL rights in their individual licensing and marketing activities. Potential licensees interested in learning more should contact Jim Neish at TBG.
 
TBG, a brand management, marketing and licensing agency, will manage and administer the program as well as create licensing opportunities on behalf of the student-athletes. With decades of collective management experience for some of the world's largest brands, TBG also manages group rights programs for the NFL, NBA and MLB players associations in the college space.
 
Products that combine team logos and player names and numbers have accounted for a large portion of licensed sports merchandise sales at the professional level for decades, and this program provides the same opportunities to collegiate student-athletes.
 
"We are excited to be working closely with the Drake University Athletics team to craft a program that benefits their student-athletes," said Rick Perko, Vice President of Program Development at TBG. "Group licensing creates the opportunity for these student-athletes to profit from their NIL, while also offering merchandise and sponsorship opportunities that promise to enhance the fan experience."
 
Fans can expect to be able to purchase official Drake merchandise, including team jerseys with the name and number of Bulldogs' players who have joined the respective group licensing program, once TBG enters into agreements with applicable school trademark licensees.
 
About The Brandr Group
The Brandr Group (TBG) is a brand management, marketing and licensing agency powered by a team with decades of collective management experience for some of the world's largest brands. TBG has emerged as the leading agency in group licensing programs, with rights to over 65 college athletic programs and their student athletes in the Name, Image and Likeness category including the biggest brands in college athletics. TBG partners with prominent brands, colleges, sponsors, corporate trademarks, athletes and events to cultivate, diversify and monetize intellectual property through professional brand management and licensing endeavors. For more information, please visit tbgusa.com.