The Brandr Group, HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union Partner on NIL Campaign for University of Hawaii Student-Athletes
PONTE VEDRA, FL (March 4th, 2024) – HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union, collaborating in partnership with The Brandr Group (TBG), has launched the innovative Team Kasasa campaign with eight University of Hawaii student-athletes. The sponsorship campaign, which runs through May of this year, allows the student-athletes to maximize their Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) in a promotional campaign to drive the credit union’s Kasasa Cash Back® Checking initiative.
As part of the partnership, HawaiiUSA’s Team Kasasa Athletes serve as ambassadors to help advocate the credit union’s promotional programs and financial wellness initiatives to their respective audiences using tools like social media, as well as through community service engagements. In addition, the athletes gain brand exposure and increased awareness of their collegiate sport through this collaborative marketing partnership.
“Team Kasasa is an ongoing campaign to target college students and young adults by equipping them with the resources and confidence to secure a financially healthy future,” says Greg Young, president and CEO of HawaiiUSA. “The partnership with these student-athletes helps us to promote our products, like Kasasa Cash Back® Checking, which help their peers gain the confidence to manage their money in a practical and rewarding way.”
The participating student-athletes represent a diverse cross-section of sports on campus, featuring both men’s and women’s athletes. Those engaged in the program are: Alyssa Mae Antolin (women’s track and field), Andrew Choi (football), Tayli Ikenaga (women’s volleyball), Jovi Lefotu (women’s basketball), Kurt Nusterer (men’s volleyball), Eliki Tanuvasa (football), Keoni Thiim (men’s volleyball) and Lily Wahinekapu (women’s basketball).
“We really appreciate the continued efforts of The Brandr Group to facilitate student-athlete NIL opportunities,” said Craig Angelos, the Director of Athletics at the University of Hawai’i. “This NIL campaign is a win-win, which will allow participating student-athletes an excellent opportunity to profit from their NIL while also highlighting alignment with a valued corporate partner, HawaiiUSA."
A brand management, marketing and licensing agency, TBG manages and administers NIL group licensing programs for schools and universities, as well as develops licensing opportunities on behalf of the student-athletes. With decades of collective management experience for some of the world's largest brands, TBG also manages the group rights program for the NFL, NBA and MLB players' associations in the college space.
“This is NIL the way it’s supposed to be done, with the University of Hawaii, HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union, and The Brandr Group all working cooperatively to engage student-athletes in a meaningful campaign that makes a notable difference for the brand,” said Rick Perko, Vice President of Program Development at TBG.
About The Brandr Group
The Brandr Group (TBG) is a brand management, marketing and licensing agency powered by a team with decades of collective management experience for some of the world’s largest brands. TBG has emerged as the leading agency in group licensing programs, with rights to more than 90 college athletic programs and their student athletes in the Name, Image and Likeness category including the biggest brands in college athletics. TBG partners with prominent brands, colleges, sponsors, corporate trademarks, athletes and events to cultivate, diversify and monetize intellectual property through professional brand management and licensing endeavors. For more information, please visit tbgusa.com.
About HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union
HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union is Hawaii’s largest credit union. Serving individuals and businesses through 14 branch locations statewide and convenient online services, HawaiiUSA is dedicated to the financial wellness of more than 135,000 members.
As a nationally and locally acclaimed, award-winning credit union, HawaiiUSA is a driving force in the community as a leader and visionary around sustainable financial health for individuals and businesses, understanding that their success contributes to a thriving community.
Originally opened in 1936 as a credit union for educators, for nearly 90 years HawaiiUSA has inspired a culture of giving that is rooted in education and has since expanded to other areas of community need that impact financial health including healthcare, housing, and hunger. To learn more, please visit https://www.hawaiiusafcu.com/.
Media Contacts:
Jen Armstrong
On behalf of HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union
StrongArm Communications
jen@strongarmcommunications.com
Johnathan McGinty
On behalf of The Brandr Group
Trestle Collective
