Less than a week into the name, image and likeness era of college sports, the first full team sponsorship deal has been signed.
The South Florida Sun Sentinel reported Tuesday that the entire University of Central Florida women’s basketball team signed a sponsorship deal with College HUNKS Hauling Junk and Moving. According to Sports Illustrated, the deal was the first of its kind, with College HUNKS becoming the first company to sponsor a full team.
“We’re really excited. It’s something new, and we don’t really know where it’s going to go, and we’re just getting our foot in the door,” UCF graduate senior Masseny Kaba told the Sun Sentinel. “Hopefully, we can grow from this opportunity and get more endorsements if those opportunities are given to us.
“We’re just going to take it one at a time, and we’re glad that we have this and we’re all very excited.”
A press release from College HUNKS owner Nick Friedman read, “As a former college basketball player and father of three daughters, this is such an honor for our organization to be able to support these outstanding female athletes and teammates who work so hard at their craft. Through our partnership with the UCF women’s basketball players, we hope we can help further their growth as they look to make a big run in the NCAA Tournament this year while also navigating school and life.”
In similar moves, all 17 Notre Dame offensive linemen signed a deal with Mission BBQ and Arkansas’ offensive line signed with Wright’s BBQ.
Athletes and companies have been seeking opportunities since the NCAA began allowing athletes to profit from their name, image and likeness on July 1.
Related content: Athletes Ink First Endorsement Deals in NCAA History
Related content: NCAA Officially Adopts Interim NIL Policy
