The Chicago Collective Tips Off Fundraising Drive for UIC Basketball Student-Athletes
UIC’s NIL effort highlighted by $50,000 leadership gift and $100,000 matching challenge
CHICAGO (March 20, 2024) – The Chicago Collective, the primary Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) collective of UIC Athletics, today announced two major foundational pieces as part of the tip-off to its March Madness fundraising challenge for Flames Basketball student-athletes, which will run through the end of the 2024 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.
A prominent UIC alum and Flames Basketball supporter has anonymously pledged a $50,000 outright leadership gift to The Chicago Collective to support the NIL effort. In addition, thanks to a generous matching gift from the same donor, every incoming donation to The Chicago Collective through the end of the challenge will be doubled, dollar-for-dollar, up to $100,000.
Supporters who would like to contribute to the successful future of UIC Basketball can do so by visiting The Chicago Collective website to learn more about the ways you can support this effort.
“The opportunity to compete at the highest levels, and enjoy the type of success all Flames fans want to experience, depends on our ability to recruit high-caliber players and retain our existing roster,” said Director of Athletics Michael Lipitz. “The path forward for UIC Basketball must include an aggressive collaboration with our generous network of alumni and fans to attract talent to our program utilizing third-party compensation. It is imperative that those who care about the future of UIC Basketball find a way to support The Chicago Collective and NIL efforts.”
The NCAA has recently ruled that student-athletes being recruited by UIC (high schoolers and transfers) may negotiate with The Chicago Collective, boosters, fans, and companies before committing to the Flames. During the recruiting process, prospective student-athletes and their families may compare and contrast market values from various third-parties affiliated with schools they are considering. In addition, they may sign contracts with these parties before committing to an institution.
As Chicago's College Team, UIC is dedicated to fostering a program of excellence both on and off the court. By collaborating with passionate supporters, the university aims to cultivate a basketball program that embodies the spirit of its community while vying for Missouri Valley Conference championships and a coveted spot in the NCAA Tournament.
ABOUT THE CHICAGO COLLECTIVE (TheChicagoCollective.com)
The Chicago Collective is the primary NIL Collective for all UIC student-athletes to leverage their Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) opportunities. It allows businesses, donors and members to support and engage with their favorite UIC teams and student-athletes and contribute to a general fund that supports student-athletes across several UIC sports, with an emphasis on men’s and women’s basketball. Student-athletes may engage in a variety of opportunities through The Collective, including personal appearances, meet-and-greets, charitable work, speaking engagements, or commercial sponsorships. As with all NIL entities, The Chicago Collective is independent from UIC, and the University does not receive any financial benefit from the organization. More information is available at TheChicagoCollective.com.
ABOUT UIC ATHLETICS (UICFlames.com)
The UIC Department of Athletics supports 18 NCAA Division I sports programs comprised of 300 student-athletes and 85 coaches and staff. Since earning NCAA Division I status in 1981, UIC has amassed 75 conference championships and made 47 NCAA postseason appearances. In addition, 20 Flames have achieved All-America status, 82 have earned recognition as a conference Player of the Year, and 57 coaches have been honored as a conference Coach of the Year. Flames student-athletes have achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher for 18 consecutive semesters and boast a 93-percent graduation rate. The Flames compete in the Missouri Valley Conference, a league that features 12 public and private institutions that each have impressive academic reputations as well as storied traditions of broad-based athletic programs.
For more information on UIC Athletics, fans are encouraged to visit UICFlames.com, or follow the Flames on social media through X (@UICFlames) and Instagram (@uicflames).
#FireUpFlames | #ChicagosCollegeTeam
For more information, contact:
Chris Masters
Senior Associate Athletics Director for External Operations
312.413.9340 (office) or 574.532.4166 (cell)
