At midnight Sunday, the University of Louisville’s collective to help fund Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) resources for UofL athletes went live.
According to the website, the 502 Circle is:
An independent NIL Collective, established to provide opportunities for UofL student-athletes to maximize their NIL based on hard-earned success.
And according to founder Marc Spiegel:
It’s important for the Louisville community to have an outlet for support. 502Circle will utilize the latest technology to engage UofL athletics supporters, businesses, and charitable organizations. We’ve created a digital experience that will enhance supporters’ involvement and translate into value for everyone involved.
This initiative will help the Cards keep up with the ever-growing, ever-changing, wild-wild-west frontier that is NIL in today’s college athletics landscape.
A large majority of the organization is comprised of former UofL student athletes. The group’s website lists lots of Cardinal greats and familiar faces who make up the “Athlete Advisory Board” and the “Business Council”:
Angel McCoughtry, the UofL women’s basketball team’s all-time leading scorer on the hardwood, and 2009 first pick in the WNBA draft and Rookie of the Year.
Chris Redman, the football team’s all-time leading-passer, 12-year pro football player and Male High School graduate.
David Padgett, former acting coach and center for the men’s basketball team that lead the Cards to the Elite Eight and NBA player.
Jake Smith, four-year gridiron starter at center/guard, Sugar Bowl player and Cincinnati Bengal.
Larry O’Bannon, 2005 Final Four player, professional basketball player and Male High School graduate.
Mallory Comerford, four-time NCAA swimming champion, ACC Swimmer of the Year and Adidas High-Performance Athlete of the Year.
Shae (Dobrina) Beckwith, inaugural softball team player and Eastern High School graduate.
Tendai Charasika, former UofL football player and St. Xavier graduate.
The organization has options where a Cardinal fan or supporter can set up recurring donations to become a founding member or even a one-time gift, along with a store to buy merchandise.
And how good would that logo look as a tattoo?
Link: https://www.502circle.com/
