UMD Athletics Announces Partnership with the 218 Champions Collective
The University of Minnesota Duluth announced today the official NIL Collective of Bulldog Athletics, the 218 Champions Collective.
The 218 Champions Collective aims to support Bulldog student-athletes in name, image, and likeness (NIL) endeavors. The 218 Champions Collective is a third-party organization that was formed to empower student-athletes and help them maximize connections. Encompassing the 3C's (i.e., classroom, competition and community), the partnership is committed to working tirelessly to ensure that every current and future Bulldog can leverage their right of publicity.
"The ability to facilitate name, image and likeness opportunities is an important part of the current intercollegiate athletics landscape and will be moving forward," said UMD Director of Athletics Forrest Karr. "The 218 Champions Collective provides an opportunity to directly support student-athletes in all 16 Bulldog programs in addition to more traditional ways such as through philanthropy and sponsorships."
This collaboration will be vital in helping UMD Athletics attract and retain student-athletes a midst the rapidly changing world of NIL. The alliance will provide prospective donors/businesses the opportunity to make contributions through the collective that can fit any budget. As the official collective and partner of UMD Athletics, the 218 Champions Collective will work with UMD staff on behalf of student-athlete NIL initiatives.
"The 218 Champions Collective will benefit Bulldog student-athletes, generate strategic commercial opportunities for Duluth's vibrant business community, and strengthen the bond between fans and the Bulldogs," said Troy Rian, co-founder of the 218 Champions Collective.
"The initiative is designed to enhance the local economy by fostering synergies among businesses, fans, and student-athletes. By creating versatile and impactful connections, the Collective will drive positive growth and engagement throughout the community. It will provide Bulldog student-athletes with the resources and support they need to succeed while increasing the return on fans' financial and emotional investments, ensuring the Bulldogs' continued success and deeper integration within the community," added Jered Everson, co-founder of the 218 Champions Collective.
Memberships and other offerings will soon be available, and fans and businesses can contribute to a general fund for flexible distribution or directly to specific student-athletes or programs. The 218 Champions Collective can also be contacted with ideas and proposals. NIL is a versatile and enriching experience for all stakeholders in the community and it is the goal of the collective to make these opportunities a reality for the Bulldogs.
For more information about the 218 Champions Collective mission, leadership, and how you can become a member or support, please visit 218championscollective.com or follow them on social media @218championscollective.
Separate from the 218 Champions Collective, fans can also support UMD sport programs and departmental initiatives by giving to the UMD Bulldog Impact Fund, Scholarships, and various projects.
What 218 Champions Collective Board Members are Saying:
"I am excited to see the announcement of the 218 Champions Collective. The Duluth and surrounding Northland community will now be able to support UMD student-athletes in a new way. I look forward to seeing how the Collective will contribute to the success of UMD athletics in this new NCAA landscape," said Sydney Brodt, former 3-time UMD women's hockey captain.
"Bulldog country is very excited about the 218 Champions Collective and what it will bring to our men's hockey program at the University of Minnesota Duluth. It will enhance our storied program and allow us not just to survive but to thrive in the future a midst the changing landscape of Division I men's hockey. This is an opportunity for our community to support our programs in a unique and meaningful way," said Bill Watson, former UMD men's hockey alum and Hobey Baker winner.
For more information on NIL and student-athletes, visit NCAA.org.
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