On September 27th, the Crowning Icons: The HBCU NIL Experience brought the energy and excitement of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) partnerships to the forefront during the State Fair Classic in Dallas, Texas. Hosted by Goorin Bros. in collaboration with HBCU Icon Exchange, the event celebrated five outstanding student-athletes from Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) and Grambling State University, awarding them with impactful NIL deals that demonstrate the evolving power of student-athlete influence on brand engagement.
The State Fair Classic, one of the country’s most iconic HBCU football matchups, served as the perfect backdrop for this milestone event, where the potential of the athletes matched the energy on the field. Goorin Bros., known for its timeless hat designs, saw a 175% spike in online engagement within just 10 days of the event, proving the reach and influence of these young athletes. Event sales topped $4,000 in the first three hours alone, while total sales surpassed over $8,000 over the 10 days—clear evidence of the business value of NIL partnerships.
Marc Smith, CEO of HBCU Icon Exchange, emphasized the game-changing nature of these collaborations: “NIL partnerships allow student-athletes to benefit from their brand and bring tremendous value to the companies they work with. For businesses like Goorin Bros., engaging with athletes from HBCUs unlocks new opportunities to reach diverse and loyal audiences, making NIL an incredibly powerful tool.”
Dr. Chris Williams of Thrive Sports Properties underscored the importance of recognizing the financial potential of HBCU athletes, stating: “HBCU student-athletes’ social media influence can create significant financial upside for brands. Their ability to authentically engage with their followers is an underutilized asset that can impact a company’s bottom line. Companies that overlook these athletes are missing out on a huge opportunity.”
The NIL landscape is growing, with over $1 billion projected to be spent on NIL deals by 2025. Yet, HBCU athletes have historically been underserved in securing these lucrative partnerships, receiving a small fraction of the deals awarded to athletes from larger universities. This event, however, signals a shift—HBCU athletes are gaining recognition and proving that their influence can drive tangible business results.
As NIL deals continue to transform the collegiate sports landscape, Crowning Icons: The HBCU NIL Experience serves as a reminder of the untapped potential in HBCU student-athletes. Both HBCU Icon Exchange and Goorin Bros. are committed to furthering these partnerships, leveraging the unique talents and influence of HBCU athletes to drive meaningful change.
For more information about HBCU Icon Exchange and upcoming collaborations, visit hbcuiconex.com.
Media ContactCompany Name: Thrive Sports Properties LLCContact Person: C. GuilloryEmail: Send EmailPhone: (713) 364-6433?Address:2726 BISSONNET ST # 240-336 City: HoustonState: TexasCountry: United StatesWebsite: www.thrivesportsproperties.com
