Penn State Football Legend and CFB Hall of Famer LaVar Arrington Partners with Happy Valley United NIL Collective to Launch HVU On Demand
Exclusive content will be produced in partnership with Arrington’s “Up On Game” Network.
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. (Aug. 31, 2023) — Happy Valley United, the official NIL collective of Penn State Athletics, joins legendary College Football Hall of Fame linebacker LaVar Arrington to launch Happy Valley United On Demand – a new platform that will unlock original video content, authentic podcasts, exclusive news and more to all members of the collective. The content will be produced by Arrington’s nationally syndicated “Up On Game” network.
“Our goal is to deliver interviews, documentaries, podcasts and articles from and about Penn State student-athletes directly to the growing member base of Happy Valley United,” said Arrington. “NIL is a new way for the entire Nittany Nation to get behind and support their favorite teams and student-athletes. With HVU On Demand fans can become members of the collective, support student-athletes, and feel good knowing their contribution is the key to success.”
A second overall pick in the 2000 NFL Draft, Arrington played for the Washington Commanders from 2000-05 and then for the New York Giants in 2006. Following his NFL career, Arrington has become a well-known face in the broadcasting world co-hosting various shows on FOX Sports Radio and TV, as well as producing original content in the “Up On Game” network.
Two new podcasts will kick off the series of exclusive content available to members on HVU On Demand. The first, Quite Franklin with LaVar Arrington will feature weekly interviews during the football season with Penn State head football coach James Franklin. Arrington and Franklin will discuss the upcoming game and other topic-related insights on Penn State Football. The second podcast, WE ARE Ki and Juice, will feature Penn State lettermen Ki-Jana Carter and O.J. McDuffie hosting a lively and thought-provoking analysis of the weekly football games and a preview of upcoming games. Additional podcasts and interviews will be revealed for fall and winter sports with other Penn State student-athletes and staff in the coming months.
“I am thrilled to work with LaVar and Happy Valley United to find creative ways to support NIL opportunities for our team and bring fans closer to the action,” said Franklin. “Fans have long supported LaVar and what he and others have done to make Penn State football what it is today. We are grateful for his continued support in this new era of college athletics.”
Fans and supporters who join the Happy Valley United collective as members will receive access to HVU On Demand through their member portal on the website. In addition, members also receive branded merchandise, invitations to exclusive events with student-athletes, and more. The latest news and thoughtful behind-the-scenes insights about Nittany Lions sports, will be provided by Basic Blues Nation (BBN). Launched in 2022, Basic Blues Nation is a student and alumni owned and operated credentialed outlet covering all Penn State athletics.
“LaVar has been an incredible supporter of Penn State for many years and his passion shows in his desire to support the NIL efforts for every team throughout the athletic program,” said Penn State Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Pat Kraft. “Continued support from lettermen and engaged alumni will be imperative to succeed in the NIL landscape.”
As part of the launch of HVU On Demand, members who join the collective from Aug. 31 until the end of the football season will get a chance to win one of two brand new Traeger Grills. The partnership with Traeger provides an additional perk to an already robust series of offerings for Penn State fans.
To learn more about this new initiative, visit happyvalleyunited.com
ABOUT HAPPY VALLEY UNITED
Happy Valley United (HVU) is the official Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) collective supporting 800-plus student-athletes at Penn State. Supporters, fans, and alumni who commit their support to HVU are pledging to maximize opportunities for student-athletes to build their brands and engage with the community. There are various ways to get involved, including corporate partnerships, memberships, and charitable contributions. HVU is powered by parent company Blueprint Sports. For more information about NIL partnerships with Penn State student-athletes, visit https://happyvalleyunited.com/
ABOUT UP ON GAME NETWORK
Up On Game Network is a full-service production and marketing company known for its expertise in delivering captivating content and comprehensive brand strategies. By harnessing creativity, technology, and industry knowledge, Up On Game Network helps clients succeed in today’s competitive landscape. For more information, please visit www.UpOnGame.network
Media Contacts
Alexis Yoder
alexis@happyvalleyunited.com
Brandon McCladdie
brandon@happyvalleyunited.com
