The University of Connecticut announced Monday that it will display NIL collective logos on Rentschler Field for the 2024 season, marking a first for NCAA college football programs.
As reported by the New Haven Register, the logo will appear on both of the field's 25-yard lines, per a one-year agreement with Storrs Central, the for-profit leg of the "Bleeding Blue For Good" NIL collective.
“In the era of NIL, it’s never been more important to proactively promote unique opportunities for our student-athletes,” UConn athletic director David Benedict said in a press release. “Bleeding Blue for Good and Storrs Central have been great partners as we navigate the continually changing landscape of college athletics.”
Continuing to support our student-athletes on and off the field!
— UConn Huskies (@UConnHuskies) August 26, 2024
The @StorrsCentral logo will be on-field at the Rent this year. 🏈🖌 pic.twitter.com/jHQFTcnC4F
Bleeding Blue for Good, a non-profit NIL, was co-founded by UConn alumns John Malfettone and Jonathan Greenblatt in 2022 with the goal of providing UConn student-athletes with NIL opportunities and also engaging in community outreach via charitable events, Register staff writer Will Aldam reported.
Storrs Central, a subscription based website that provides exclusive behind-the-scenes, insider access to UConn athletes was conceived by Bleeding Blue for Good leadership.
“Our hope with Storrs Central is that it allows us to prepare for any and all future changes in the NIL space,” Jared Thomas, executive director of UConn’s NIL Collective said. “The proposed settlement references ‘true NIL,’ which would be provided by Storrs Central. We hope to grow the company into both a media company and a marketing agency for UConn student-athletes. In the short-term, the creation of Storrs Central has allowed us to put together some very impressive sponsorship packages that include on-site activation, social media activation, and athlete promotions and appearances. We’re excited to raise awareness for Storrs Central through this partnership.”
UConn's season begins Saturday at Maryland, with its first home game Sept. 7 against Merrimack.
“As the changing landscape of college football continues to accelerate, we are excited to have partners in Bleeding Blue for Good and Storrs Central working with our football program and our student-athletes,” UConn football coach Jim Mora said. “As our players continue to learn their value to the business of college athletics, and the power of their brand, the importance of supporting our student-athletes through NIL opportunities is critical to our ability to attract and keep the best and brightest wearing the UConn uniform.”
