WSU Athletics announces program to provide NIL resources to student athletes

June 30, 2021 3:48 PM

Erin Robinson,

Posted: June 30, 2021 3:48 PM

by Erin Robinson

PULLMAN, Wash. — Washington State Athletics announced “The Cougar Pursuit” on Wednesday, marking their intention to assist student athletes in fully capitalizing on their Name, Image and Likeness (NIL).

The announcement came just after the NCAA cleared the way for athletes to do so.

READ: Cougs running back ready to capitalize on changes in colege sports

WSU Athletics, in collaboration with the university’s Center for Entrepreneurship, will hold a five-week course for all incoming students-athletes, in which they will learn about intellectual property, personal branding and marketing in a digital world, finance and contracting, and life after sports.

“The Coug experience is truly one-of-a-kind. Our environment is housed within one of the great college towns in America and fueled by the passion and loyalty of our alumni and fans,” said Director of Athletics Pat Chun. “We believe our Cougar Pursuit initiative is one of the most important resources we can offer our student-athletes during their WSU experience, that will ultimately impact them for years to come. The Cougar Pursuit now includes campus partnerships, technology and education to allow our student-athletes to maximize their name, image and likeness. We are excited about the new opportunities available for our WSU student-athletes and remain steadfast in our commitment to offer the most unique and impactful student-athlete experience in the nation.”

WSU Athletics has also partnered with INFLCR, a company designed to assist in getting student-athletes content and analytical data to help them build and expand their personal brands.

WSU is one of many schools that have designed programs to help student-athletes with NIL rights. Earlier this month, Gonzaga University announced a similar program.

READ: Mark Few testifies before Senate committe in favor of NIL rights