The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga announced on Monday that it has expanded its Name, Image and Likeness arsenal with the addition of Influxer, which will create more opportunities for over 300 athletes as well as spirit groups.
Influxer “specializes in customized apparel and merchandise, enabling student-athletes to launch their own branded storefronts with ease,” according to a UTC press release.
UTC athletes will opt into the program, which will allow Influxer the chance to develop an online store for the individual that is open to their community as well as fans and alumni, which will feature designs approved by UTC and will includes hats, shirts, sweatshirts, jerseys, tumblers and more, with new designs and products being rolled out throughout the year.
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“We are committed to finding meaningful NIL solutions for our student-athletes and ways to positively impact them in competition and in life,” UTC vice chancellor and director of athletics Mark Wharton said in the press release. “We’re excited for their opportunities with Influxer to grow their NIL presence.”
Influxer vice president Keith Miller worked with UTC NIL manager Jalen Washington, who was hired in July, on putting together the new platform.
“The NIL landscape is constantly evolving,” Miller said. “Working with (Washington) has been an amazing opportunity to see the vision they have for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, providing great options through Influxer for their student-athletes.
“They see this as not simply a transactional opportunity, but as an opportunity to develop long-term skills for life.”
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In addition to each athlete having his or her own personal story, Influxer will also provide student-athletes the education required to succeed in the new NIL environment, with staff members available to aid with a number of things including social media marketing, to taxes, to reading contracts.
The company will also offer paid internships to student-athletes on the campuses of their partners to assist in marketing, graphic design, business and other facets of the company.
Contact Gene Henley at ghenley@timesfreepress.com.