In this session...
In the fast-paced new frontier of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights, athletes are seizing new opportunities to build personal brands and generate revenue. This panel delves into the complexities of NIL deals, addressing everything from navigating evolving regulations to forging authentic brand partnerships. Marc D’Amelio, Co-Founder and CEO of D’Amelio Brands and founder of the D’Amelio Huskies Collective, has collaborated with some of the most renowned apparel, footwear, and accessory brands globally. He leverages his expertise in transforming social media icons, including his daughters Dixie and Charli D'Amelio, into marketable brands, helping UConn athletes maximize their NIL potential. Derek Sanderson, VP of Talent Strategy at SMAC Entertainment, brings extensive experience from the music, sports, and entertainment industries, having shaped the brands of top NIL earners and college football stars, Shedeur and Shilo Sanders and Travis Hunter. Together, Marc and Derek will discuss effective strategies for building athlete brands, cultivating authentic NIL partnerships, and navigating compliance in this rapidly evolving landscape from both the collective (D’Amelio) and talent management (Sanderson) perspectives.
What You'll Learn from This Session...
- Lessons from Entertainment: Both Marc and Derek will delve into how their experience in the entertainment industry is informing their approach to managing student-athletes, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and strategic partnerships.
- Educating Brands and Athletes: NIL initially caused confusion due to differing rules across states and colleges. Marc and Derek will address how they educate brands on navigating these regulations and working effectively with college athletes, emphasizing
- The Importance of Authenticity: Marc and Derek highlight the power of aligning partnerships with an athlete’s personal narrative to build long-term, mutually beneficial NIL deals.
- Building Beyond Monetary Value: Marc and Derek's NIL strategies emphasize long-term value over short-term financial gain. With a holistic brand-building view, they enable athletes to forge authentic connections with their audiences, promoting sustainable
- Elevating College Athletes Nationally: Both Marc and Derek work with athletes at public universities outside major media markets and will explore how college athletes can elevate their brands to a national level, showcasing the broader impact of NIL on st
