San Antonio Express-News (Sunday)
12th Man group evolves with NIL
COLLEGE STATION — Texas A&M is upping its NIL game through its longtime fundraising arm, the 12th Man Foundation. The university’s name, image and likeness directive is officially dubbed the 12th Man+ Fund.
“We want to live up to our mission, and it’s an evolving space,” said Travis Dabney, president and CEO of the 12th Man Foundation. “So we had to evolve as an organization.”
According to A&M: “Currently enrolled student-athletes who engage with the 12th Man Foundation for NIL opportunities will receive fair market value compensation to promote the organization’s mission through marketing services such as social media posts, appearances at events and speaking engagements.”
Contributors are able to “direct donations to benefit student-athletes in the sport of their choice or the option to support a general fund with a one-time or recurring gift for distribution to student-athletes across all sports,” according to the university.
The NCAA ruled
that beginning in July 2021 college athletes could begin benefiting financially from their names, images and likenesses. A&M athletic director Ross Bjork said Wednesday night that A&M athletes have received about $10 million in NIL funding since July 2021.
The 12th Man Foundation is separate from the university with its own board of directors and Dabney said A&M and the foundation made sure no rules would be broken with the new agreement.
“The last thing we would want to do is bring any dishonor to Texas A&M University,” Dabney said.
According to A&M: “12th Man+ donations are tax-deductible and earn a variety of 12th Man Foundation benefits including priority points and exclusive NIL content. Donors should consult their tax advisor to determine the deductibility of their donations.”
Priority points lead to perks like better parking and seating opportunities at games, Dabney said.