A group of over 100 former UNC student-athlete alumni have agreed to support a groundbreaking multi-year deal with marketing and licensing agency The Brandr Group.
This agreement will create a voluntary group licensing program which will allow former student athletes–in conjunction with their alma mater–to profit from their marketability.
A wide variety of men’s basketball and women’s soccer alumni who have won national championships have already agreed to participate–a list that includes Mia Hamm, Tyler Hansbrough, Hubert Davis, Heather O’Reilly, Sean May, Marvin Williams and Danny Green and many others.
Additional alumni from those two historic programs are expected to join, while former student-athletes from other programs may be added in the future.
“I loved my time at UNC and will always be honored to be a part of the Carolina Women’s Soccer family,” Hamm, arguably the greatest women’s soccer player ever, said in a statement released by the school. “It was a privilege to compete for championships at a school that so clearly sees the value in women’s athletics and Olympic sports, and it’s an honor to be an alum of a University that continues to appreciate the history made by so many dedicated female student-athletes.
“This initiative is an exciting way to celebrate the successes we all have enjoyed together,” she added. “And I hope it helps continue to inspire the next generation of female student-athletes.”
While there are numerous discussions and proposed legislation about current players earning the right to profit off of their name, image and likeness, this deal applies only to alumni.
This approach will allow UNC fans to own merchandise and other products featuring the school’s logo and the names and numbers of former Tar Heel greats.
“We are proud to have so many remarkable student-athletes who contributed to our great legacy at Carolina, and who have gone on to do outstanding things,” UNC Director of Athletics Bubba Cunningham said. “This group licensing program is a way for us to extend our relationship with them – to provide more opportunities to former student-athletes, even long after they leave the University – while allowing fans to remember and recognize them, as well.”
The Brandr Group is working closely with the University and the school’s licensing partner, CLC, to identify prospective licensees. Companies must utilize group player programs with three or more former UNC athletes to participate in the group licensing program.
“We knew that Carolina wanted to celebrate its former student-athletes, and after being a part of the success of similar programs throughout the sports marketplace, we are excited to team with the Tar Heels in this endeavor,” The Brandr Group President and Founder Wesley Haynes said. “This is a very innovative concept, and it shows how a group license can be utilized to benefit former college players as well as fans. We are looking forward to having products available at retail for UNC fans later in 2021.”
Photo via UNC Athletics
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