Tech Sideline and Triumph NIL have entered into a strategic partnership agreement. Through this partnership, TSL and Triumph will help Virginia Tech student-athletes build valuable profiles, connect with businesses and fans, and leverage Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities across the Tech Sideline media platform.
“This is an exciting step forward for us,” Tech Sideline founder Will Stewart said. “Virginia Tech NIL is rapidly gaining momentum, and Triumph NIL is the pre-eminent name in the space. We really like what they’re doing to help athletes build their brands, connect the athletes with NIL opportunities, and help Virginia Tech Athletics compete and win at NIL.”
As part of the partnership, Tech Sideline will promote Triumph, educate fans about NIL in general, and connect Triumph and their roster of athletes with a Virginia Tech fan base that is eager to be involved. Triumph will in turn make athletes available for media opportunities with Tech Sideline that will bring student-athletes closer to the fans and connect Hokie Nation with the athletes they root for and support.
“Our goal at Triumph is to help Virginia Tech athletics continue to build an NIL infrastructure, while simultaneously inventing the future of this exciting space,” said Brenden Hill, Triumph partner and strategy lead. “Tech Sideline has a long-standing connection to Hokie Nation and this partnership will provide an outlet for our clients and sponsors to authentically connect with the fan base.”
Together, the two organizations will help grow a Virginia Tech NIL effort that is rapidly gaining momentum and differentiating itself from other universities.
“In the month of December 2022, Tech Sideline was a key partner in helping ‘The Hokie Way’ raise more than $200,000 for NIL in a single month – an amount that was matched for over $400,000 total,” Stewart said. “Tech Sideline is uniquely positioned to partner with Triumph NIL in a similar way and push Virginia Tech NIL to the forefront of the industry.”
The partnership begins with Triumph presenting “TSL Today,” Tech Sideline’s mini-podcast that is produced three times a week by students in the Virginia Tech Sports Media & Analytics (SMA) program, and with Tech Sideline promoting Triumph on its website and social media channels.
“Whatever you see right now is just the beginning,” Stewart added. “Over the coming months, Tech Sideline and Triumph NIL will partner on multiple initiatives to boost Virginia Tech NIL initiatives and opportunities for Virginia Tech student-athletes. We’re just getting started.”
About Tech Sideline
Tech Sideline (TSL) was founded in 1996 as a website and has grown into a multi-media business with a popular website, podcast, and YouTube channel. With tens of thousands of monthly visitors, thousands of paid subscribers to the website, and tens of thousands of followers across all social media platforms, TSL is the premiere independent outlet covering Virginia Tech Athletics. Follow Tech Sideline on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. “TSL Today” can be found in the Tech Sideline Podcast feed; just search “Tech Sideline Podcast” on your favorite podcast app to subscribe.
About Triumph NIL
Triumph NIL was founded to create meaningful Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) partnerships for student-athletes. The agency, recognized by On3 Sports as one of the ’20 most ambitious NIL collectives,’ specializes in curating opportunities that meet all NCAA compliance and State legal criteria. Triumph is comprised of a team whose individual skills and experience combine to address the needs of NIL in college athletics. The group works to collaborate with businesses, charitable organizations, and student-athletes to provide meaningful experiences for the greater good of all. Visit TriumphNIL.com and see their About Page for more information. Follow Triumph NIL on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Print
Well done. Keep up the good work !
This is a great start to compete with other universities who are winning the recruiting battle due to their excessive marketing of NIL to prospective athletes. Doing it the correct and legal way will protect VT and our athletes. There is already news of programs that are not using the NIL in a legal capacity and will probably face recruiting violations in the coming months and years. Staying on top of the NIL regulations and playing by the rules is the only way to offer NIL opportunities to our athletes.
Wonderful news! Glad to see Will is involved. This will prove a win-win.
Thought leaders in a new area. Love it Will. Keep climbing and leading. Great for VT and TSL.