New NIL Collective launches to benefit Rutgers student athletes
A group of former Rutgers Athletes, Donors launch an NIL collective to help benefit current Rutgers student-athletes.
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As we’ve teased over the last two weeks, a group of RU fans is excited to announce the launch of RU’s first and only NIL program - Knights of The Raritan, or KTR. Below should answer several questions up front, but I am happy to field any others. In addition, the website also provides an FAQ that may answer several additional questions...
What is this?
Knights of The Raritan was created with one mission in mind – to empower Rutgers student-athletes to achieve their greatest potential in the classroom, on the playing field, and in life. With the passing of legislation allowing student-athletes to profit from their name, image and likeness, Knights of The Raritan leverages the collective power one of the nation’s largest university alumni bases to help equip Scarlet Knights student-athletes with the tools and resources necessary for them to excel both during and after their time in New Brunswick and Piscataway. More importantly, we want student-athletes to maximize their NIL opportunities the right way, without ever compromising the values of the university and the legacy of all those who have donned scarlet in the past.
Where do I go?
https://knightsoftheraritan.com/
How much has been raised?
We are currently not disclosing the amount that has been raised initially. Funds have been contributed by members of the board, as well as several other non-board members.
Who is involved?
KTR has 9 active founding board, or “Executive Committee”, members, and 12 advisory board members (former athletes). KTR may add more Executive Committee members in the future, and will certainly look to add additional advisory board members.
How are players paid?
KTR will work with student-athletes in developing NIL activations.
What are NIL activations?
NIL activations are quid pro quo arrangements between KTR and student-athletes. Examples of activations are below.
Autograph Signings
Special Appearances
Video Messages
Product Endorsements
Social Media Endorsements
Youth Camps and Clinics
Radio and TV Commercials
NFTs, Crypto and Digital Assets
Internships
Professional Career Development
Merchandise Photoshoots
Charity Events
Exclusive and Co-Branded Apparel and Merchandise Lines
Speaking engagements
And more...
Is this only for revenue-generating sports?
No. All sports are included. Monies contributed to KTR can either be designated to be used broadly at the discretion of SANIL and/or the board, OR may be directed to only be used for individual sports / athletes.
Can I direct my contribution to individual athletes?
Yes.
What if I don’t designate a sport?
The board will work with SANIL to execute on NIL activations from the "general pool” of funds. If you designate a sport, monies will be set aside for that sport’s NIL pool. If you do not, then SANIL and the board will look at the general pool and will designate to sports in the best manner to execute KTR’s founding goals.
What is SANIL?
Student Athlete NIL (SANIL) is a leading sports marketing agency in the NIL space, run by Rutgers alumnus Jason Belzer. SANIL, or their affiliate organization, Student Athlete Empowerment, LLC (SAE), have been engaged by the KTR board to run the entire front, middle, and back office of the NIL initiative.
Jason is an RU graduate, an adjunct professor in sports business, a lawyer by trade, and the founder of several sports marketing organizations.
What will SANIL do?
SANIL will be tasked with everything from:
1) developing student-athlete NIL activations,
2) executing contracts with athletes,
3) engaging in fundraising initiatives and corporate development,
4) developing and managing marketing (i.e., website, graphics, student-athlete promotions),
5) ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal laws, as well as with NCAA, Conference, and school requirements
6) ensuring that services are rendered by student-athletes prior to payment
7) providing education programs to student-athletes on financial matters, such as taxation
8) providing tax withholdings and 1099 reporting to student-athletes
and much more...
How does SANIL / SAE get paid?
No more than 15% of funds received will be paid to them. In addition, to be clear - all expenses of KTR will come out of the 15%. Student-athletes will receive 85% of funds received.
What does the board do?
The board was founded to facilitate the creation of the NIL program and will provide oversight over its execution by SANIL. In addition, members of the board will help with fundraising efforts and serve as liaisons with student-athletes, the school, and fans / KTR members.
Does the board get paid or have access to the money?
No. No. And I will repeat…NO. The board’s sole focus is to help guide and oversee.
Will this be used for recruiting athletes?
KTR is not meant to be a recruiting program. It is meant to empower current student-athletes.
How do I get involved?
Joining KTR is easy. Go to the website, click “Join” and choose the membership level that interests you the most. We look forward to engaging with more fans and getting folks to join KTR.
What do I get?
In addition to empowering student-athletes at Rutgers, if you join the membership and subscribe, each membership level has its own level of perks. These membership levels are outlined on the “Join” portion of the website.
Do I need to “join” / “subscribe” in order to participate?
No, one-time contributions may be made of any amount and level.
Can I buy KTR merchandise, and do proceeds support NIL activations?
Absolutely. The website has a store currently live where you can purchase several KTR merchandise items. Proceeds will go to supporting the general NIL pool of KTR.
Are my contributions tax deductible?
No. KTR is not a 501c3 organization.
I run a business - how do I develop an specifc activation with a student-athlete?
You can contact us at 201-875-7676 or email henry@knightsoftheraritan.com
Anything else?
Listen to Jon’s podcast this week and next week for additional discussions regarding KTR. The podcast can be found on apple’s podcast platform, as well as others. “The Scarlet Spotlight"
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