From Purdue Athletics:
Newly unveiled Name, Image & Likeness exchange to serve as tool to connect Boilermakers with local businesses
Purdue Athletics is pleased to announce the launch of the Boilermaker Marketplace (BMP), a Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) exchange that will serve as a portal for local businesses and employers to connect with Purdue University’s student-athletes.
In partnership with INFLCR, Purdue has added a tool for its student-athletes that assists in the creation of business connections, streamlines payment and reporting processes, consolidates tax information and creates appropriate separation between the University and each student-athlete’s pursuit of NIL opportunities.
“Long before anyone had heard of NIL, Purdue Athletics was developing a first-in-class student-athlete development curriculum through our EMPOWER program,” said Dr. Ken Halpin, Purdue deputy athletics director and chief operating officer. “Adding the Boilermaker Marketplace exchange is the necessary next step in making sure all of our student-athletes have a secure and comprehensive space to support all of their NIL opportunities.”
Focusing on the core tenants of the athletic department’s EMPOWER program, the addition of the BMP aligns with EMPOWER’s three elements of education, entrusting and entrepreneurship. Purdue’s student-athletes have continually been given the resources necessary to succeed in all avenues of the current college athletics landscape.
That entrepreneurial spirit, a time-honored cornerstone of Purdue University, factors heavily into the approach of EMPOWER and was what served as the genesis of the Hammer & Steel Networking event for student-athletes on Monday, April 11. The summit, held in the Shively Club at Ross-Ade Stadium, was a collaboration of the John Purdue Club’s 1869 Society, Purdue Athletics, Purdue Sports Properties and Greater Lafayette Commerce.
“Last night’s event was the latest example of how this athletic department and our business community are committed to Purdue’s student-athletes,” Halpin said. “Seeing so many of our student-athletes engage with more than 100 businesses in one room was an inspiring reminder of why we are all here.”
Built into the already available INFLCR app, student-athletes can immediately utilize the BMP to interact with businesses on potential NIL opportunities, employment, internships and more.
“Purdue student-athletes are active users of INFLCR, with over 1,300 content downloads in March alone,” said Jim Cavale, INFLCR founder. “This student-athlete engagement will directly translate into the new Boilermaker Marketplace, where they can directly capitalize on their NIL with Purdue-approved local businesses, collectives and others who want to transact with their respective NIL businesses.”
Local businesses and other organizations interested in forging connections with Purdue student-athletes can click here to begin that process with the Boilermaker Marketplace. Please note that no transaction fees apply for student-athletes or businesses (applicable banking fees may apply).
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