The San Diego State athletic department has announced a multi-year agreement with Aztec Link, a collective to help student-athletes pursue Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) deals.
As one of SDSU’s official NIL collective partners, Aztec Link will attempt to create more NIL usage and compensation opportunities for San Diego State student-athletes. Aztec Link, according to a news release from the university, also can leverage official SDSU Aztec logos and intellectual property for marketing purposes.
The partnership, through San Diego State Sports Properties, was negotiated by JMI Sports, SDSU’s multimedia rights holder.
“Aztec Link was created to help SDSU student-athletes thrive off the field or arena and in their future,” said Aztec Link Head Volunteer and SDSU Athletics Hall of Famer J.R. Tolver, who played for the football program. “This partnership will have a lasting impact on the future success of student-athletes, as they have a trusted external partner to turn to for guidance as they navigate this new landscape in collegiate athletics.”
Aztec Link’s main objective is to connect student-athletes with businesses and organizations for promotion and endorsement deals. In addition, Aztec Link provides financial literacy guidance, entrepreneurship training and more to student-athletes in its network.
“We are looking forward to Aztec Link becoming an official (multimedia rights) partner,” said SDSU Athletic Director John David Wicker. “Name, Image and Likeness continues to empower student-athletes to engage with the local business community and San Diego State supporters. Aztec Link’s holistic approach will only enhance those opportunities for the student-athletes here at San Diego State.”
Aztec Link receives funding from a subscriber network of fans and alumni, as well as investors and members of the local business community. Subscribers receive exclusive opportunities to connect with student-athletes and the university via content and experiences curated by Aztec Link, depending on their contribution level.
“As an organization that is fully run by volunteers, we are immensely grateful for the early support that we’ve received from the SDSU community and our investor partners,” said Director of Operations Mike Colman. “With this partnership, we’re eager to build on this success and connect more deeply with fans and the business community in San Diego.”
