OU-Approved NIL Collective Launches First Fan-Funded Campaign to Raise $3 Million to Support Sooner Student-Athletes
The 30-day campaign’s goal is $3 million with a 2:1 match so every dollar goes further
NORMAN, Okla. — Crimson and Cream, an approved NIL partner of the University of Oklahoma, launched a new fan-funding campaign today with a goal of raising $3 million in 30 days. OU fans now have the opportunity to support the university’s student-athletes directly by subscribing to Crimson and Cream for $25 a month. Each subscription will be matched by a generous donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, dollar-for-dollar for the next 30 days.
“Oklahoma has had success with NIL but now is the time for us to ramp up our efforts to lead in this space. With the addition of Crimson and Cream and the consistent support of OU fans, the possibilities for success both on and off the field are quickly accelerated and visible to OU’s global fanbase,” said Crimson and Cream CEO Jason Belzer. “Sooner Nation can be the difference-maker for OU. NIL is constantly changing for the betterment of college athletes and together we can help Oklahoma create the most robust NIL program in the country for its student-athletes.”
In the rapidly changing landscape of college sports, a strong, supportive NIL collective makes all the difference in supporting our student-athletes to excel in the game and in the classroom for years to come. To meet the $3 million match goal, the campaign needs 4,250 Sooner fans to make a monthly commitment of $25 by national signing day on Dec. 21. For $25 per month, Crimson and Cream members receive exclusive interview content, access to exclusive supporter events and student-athlete meet-and-greet sessions, raffle entry for autographed memorabilia and Crimson and Cream apparel.
“College athletics is changing right before our eyes,” said OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. “Our approved NIL collectives are primed to deploy resources to ensure that we are SEC-ready and that our student-athletes are on a level playing field and prepared to be great university ambassadors.”
With the new NCAA rules allowing student-athletes to profit from their name, image and likeness, Crimson and Cream leverages the collective power of the alumni and fans to equip student-athletes with the resources necessary for them to excel both during and beyond their time in Norman.
“We have a championship mindset with everything we do,” explained OU Vice President and Athletics Director Joe Castiglione. “In order to continue our longstanding tradition of excellence and of producing championship-caliber teams, student-athletes need robust opportunities in the NIL realm. That includes helping them engage with our amazing fans and the Oklahoma business community. An effective and well-funded NIL program will help launch OU into the new era of collegiate athletics.”
Ninety percent of each contribution directly supports student-athletes with the other 10 percent covering the collective’s operating costs. Crimson and Cream offers OU student-athletes a chance to fairly profit from their own names, images and likenesses, including near limitless opportunities to engage in NIL activations such as autograph signings, social media promotions, camps and clinics, charity events, special appearances, commercials, NFTs and many more. The types of opportunities student-athletes engage in are determined by contributors and Crimson and Cream board of directors and advisors.
Crimson and Cream was created to work with OU student-athletes directly and helps them maximize their NIL opportunities the right way, without ever compromising the values of the university and the legacy of all those who have supported Oklahoma Athletics in the past. The power of Crimson and Cream is Sooner Nation coming together to ensure that OU remains a top competitor.
“I know a lot of Sooner fans have been asking how they can help when it comes to NIL,” said OU Head Football Coach Brent Venables. “A monthly financial commitment to an OU collective directly benefits our student-athletes and helps create a sustainable and long-term plan for how we will be leaders in this ever-changing space. We hope fans will consider helping us set the standard.”
“Crimson and Cream has supported me in many ways, and I am a better student, athlete and community member because of it,” said General Booty, one of OU’s quarterbacks. “If you want to support student-athletes at OU, this is a collective Sooner fans should support.”
Your contributions can help make sure OU’s legacy stays strong. Fans can subscribe to Crimson and Cream by visiting crimsoncreamcollective.com.
Statements of Support
“Crimson and Cream was created with one mission in mind – to empower University of Oklahoma student-athletes to achieve their greatest potential in the classroom, in their sport, and in life. This is the exact support OU student-athletes need and something I wish I had during my time at OU.”
Ryan Broyles, Crimson and Cream Advisory Board member and former OU wide receiver
“NIL has completely changed the game and the way we view college sports. As a former player and OU alum, I understand the passion behind Sooner Nation’s desire for a winning athletics program. We set the standard high, and aim to do so in all areas. As we prepare to transition into the SEC, it is imperative that we have a strong NIL collective. Right now we have the opportunity to be trailblazers in this space. I believe Crimson and Cream is the best way for fans to support the athletics program at OU.”
Jeremiah Hall, Crimson and Cream Advisory Board member and former OU tight end/H-back
“The female sports era is here, especially in college. NIL opportunities are empowering female student-athletes in huge ways that help them grow in their sport and also beyond. Some are starting their own businesses, some are paying for grad school. All female athletes know this is a huge opportunity and we cannot miss our chance to grow our program alongside Crimson and Cream.”
Whitney Hand-Jones, Crimson and Cream Advisory Board member and former OU basketball guard
“Crimson and Cream’s focus is truly on supporting the student-athletes. Ninety percent of all contributions go to the student-athletes and this is more than any other NIL program supporting OU. Crimson and Cream’s focus is on the right things to make sure OU is represented by the right people in the right way.”
Destinee Martinez, Crimson and Cream Advisory Board member and former OU softball outfielder
“Not all student-athletes go professional, and some do not have the chance. Crimson and Cream is the best way for Sooner Nation to support student-athletes here and now.”
Ryan Spangler, Crimson and Cream Advisory Board member and former OU basketball forward
About The Crimson and Cream Collective
The Crimson and Cream Collective was created with one mission in mind – to empower University of Oklahoma student-athletes to achieve their greatest potential in the classroom, on the playing field, and in life. The Crimson and Cream Collective directly supports and partners with University of Oklahoma student-athletes. Fans of OU now have the opportunity to support the university’s student-athletes directly by joining Crimson and Cream. Each membership level offers exclusive benefits and contributions can be designated by a specific sport, with funds being allocated equally among all participating team members. For more information, visit crimsoncreamcollective.com.
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