CAVA Teams up with Star Athletes for NIL Campaign Ahead of College Basketball Tournament
WASHINGTON, DC (March 17, 2025) – CAVA, the category-defining Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant brand, is launching an NIL marketing campaign during the 2025 College Basketball Tournament with some of the biggest names in college basketball. The campaign highlights how CAVA fuels the daily grind of elite student-athletes, showcasing their passion, preparation, and commitment—both on and off the court.
The student-athletes headlining the campaign are:
● Mark Sears (University of Alabama)
● Aneesah Morrow (Louisiana State University)
● Chaz Lanier (University of Tennessee)
● Madison Booker (University of Texas)
● Aaliyah Moore (University of Texas)
● Saylor Poffenbarger (University of Maryland)
Through a series of engaging social media posts and creative content, these athletes will share how CAVA’s Mediterranean food supports their well-being and plays a crucial role in their routine — providing nutritious and convenient fuel for their busy lifestyles and competitive journeys.
“Our partnership with some of the most electrifying athletes in college basketball is a testament to CAVA’s commitment to fueling peak performance,” said Andy Rebhun, Chief Experience & Marketing Officer at CAVA. “As they compete on the biggest stage of the college basketball tournament and beyond, we’re providing flavorful meals that help them stay at the top of their game.”
The campaign will roll out across digital and social platforms throughout the college basketball tournament featuring exclusive athlete content, behind-the-scenes footage, and interactive fan engagement elements.
Yellow Dot Sports Marketing, a leader in NIL-driven campaigns, collaborated with CAVA to bring this initiative to life, ensuring authentic storytelling that resonates with both sports fans and CAVA fans alike.
For more information and to follow the campaign, visit https://cava.com/ and https://www.yellowdotsportsmarketing.com/.
Quotes from Participating Athletes:
Mark Sears (University of Alabama): “Eating right is a huge part of my game,” said Mark Sears, Alabama’s star guard. “CAVA makes it easy to stay sharp and energized for every practice, every game, and every moment that matters.”
Aneesah Morrow (Louisiana State University): “As an athlete, balance is everything,” said Aneesah Morrow, standout forward for LSU. “From long days in the gym to traveling during the tournament, having a fresh, healthy meal option like CAVA helps keep me fueled and focused.”
Chaz Lanier (University of Tennessee): “Basketball demands so much from your body, and what you put into it makes all the difference,” said Tennessee’s Chaz Lanier. “CAVA is a go-to for me because it’s quick, tastes great, and gives me the fuel I need to perform at my best.”
Madison Booker (University of Texas): “I love how CAVA gives me the flexibility to build meals that fit what I need for training and recovery. It’s fresh, it’s fast, and it never gets old.”
Aaliyah Moore (University of Texas): “The right food can be a game-changer. CAVA is part of my routine because it helps me recover and refuel without sacrificing taste.”
Saylor Poffenbarger (University of Maryland): “Being a student-athlete means juggling a lot—practices, classes, games. CAVA makes it easy to stay on top of my nutrition with meals that fit my lifestyle and keep me ready for whatever comes next.”
About CAVA
CAVA is the category-defining Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant brand, bringing together healthful food and bold, satisfying flavors at scale. Our brand and our opportunity transcend the Mediterranean category to compete in the large and growing limited-service restaurant sector as well as the health and wellness food category. CAVA serves guests across gender lines, age groups, and income levels and benefits from generational tailwinds created by consumer demand for healthy living and a demographic shift towards greater ethnic diversity. We meet consumers’ desires to engage with convenient, authentic, purpose-driven brands that view food as a source of self-expression. The broad appeal of our food combined with these favorable industry trends drive our vast opportunity for continued growth.
About Yellow Dot Sports Marketing
Yellow Dot Sports Marketing is an industry leading sports marketing agency specializing in NIL and college athlete marketing. Working with top brands and athletes, Yellow Dot delivers innovative and impactful campaigns, in the NIL space, that resonate with fans and consumers alike.
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