Teamworks and Influencer, platforms that both build marketing platforms and connect Name, Image and Likeness athletes with the public, partnered with the University to announce the launch of “Mane Exchange” to enhance NIL opportunities for student-athletes. The platform gives fans, local businesses and national brands an opportunity to connect with “entrepreneurial-minded student-athletes while allowing the student-athletes to capitalize on their NIL and enhance their individual brand,” said Mike Ezekiel in a press release.
“Our partnership with Influencer perfectly aligns with our goal of supporting our student-athletes an ever- changing landscape in college athletics,” said UNA Director of Athletics Josh Looney. “The Mane Exchange not only equips our student-athletes with resources to build their personal brands, but it also ensures they are educated and compliant with NIL education services. At UNA, we are committed to supporting our student-athletes in every aspect, and Influencer provides us another tool to build the nation’s best NIL program among our FCS and ASUN peers.”
According to Ezekiel, the Teamworks Exchange provides a seamless experience for athletes, brands, donors and fans to participate in the Mane Exchange and automates tedious compliance, payment and tax reporting tasks with no transaction fees. “We are excited about the launch of The Mane Exchange,” said Todd Vardaman, UNA’s Compliance and NIL Specialist. “This will provide our student- athletes more NIL opportunities while engaging with our community and local business partners. The Mane Exchange is another step in the commitment UNA has made to provide quality tools and resources to our student-athletes and coaches in the NIL landscape.”
As part of the package, student- athletes will also have access to Influencer for photo sharing. Influencer creates a one-stop hub for student athletes to manage their NIL opportunities and access content that is tagged and distributed specifically for their use, said Ezekiel.
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
