UniWorld Group Introduces Name, Image, Likeness Program to Help Black Student-Athletes Secure the Bag

UniWorld Group (UWG), the nation’s longest-standing multicultural advertising and marketing agency, has launched a NIL (name, image, likeness) program that will benefit Black collegiate student-athletes.

The NILE (name, image, likeness, empowerment) is a new sports business consulting unit that will partner with major brands to maximize the equity and empowerment impact of their investment in the students who will participate in the program.

“For Black college athletes like Chase Griffin this moment represents a generational empowerment opportunity that will jump start the engine of economic mobility for their families,” said Monique Nelson, chair and CEO, of UWG in a written statement. “Through UWG’s The NILE practice we can empower Black student-athletes to pursue and properly manage NIL opportunities.”

The unit will ensure its brands’ NIL endeavors will include equal and fair ad investment allocation, pricing, the creation of relevant content, and distribution. They will also make sure to develop programs that will provide mentorship and other industry support for Black college student-athletes..

“UWG wants to push into a space where their NIL investments in black college athletes will empower this generation to become the brands of the future,” Nelson said.  “…Transparency will empower this generation to know what’s available to them and in turn change their lives and inspire their communities.”

UWG will carry out the mission of The NILE with a strategic partner in Student Athlete NIL (SANIL). This group will be the agency of record, working with the major brands and student-athletes in the new landscape of NIL. The aformentioned Griffin, a quarterback at UCLA and student leader, will have the role of Student Athlete Executive in Residence.

“Investing in NIL of college athletes represents a great return on investment opportunity for brands. We are proven value creators,” Griffin said. “College athletes can partner with brands to combine the drive, discipline, and focus that got us to this point and create a new, equitable, and purpose-driven future.”