NIL Deal ‘Champions’ Financial Wellness for College Basketball Players
University Credit Union in Los Angeles partners with Saint Mary’s College to support both men and women student-athletes.
In a Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deal that follows the recent trend of credit unions partnering with student-athletes to not only promote their brand but assist student-athletes with their financial lives, University Credit Union in Los Angeles announced it has launched a new program with Saint Mary’s College in Moraga, Calif., called “Champions.”
As part of the $1.1 billion credit union’s new NIL deal, it will sponsor the men’s and women’s basketball teams at the Bay Area Catholic college, as well as provide the teams’ student athletes with financial support and educational resources. This will include membership in UCU and access to financial wellness workshops.
UCU said that because the partnership supports student-athletes at Saint Mary’s College and allows them to serve as brand ambassadors for the credit union, it hopes to also attract new members from the Saint Mary’s College community as a result.
“We are thrilled to partner with Saint Mary’s College and its talented student athletes,” UCU President/CEO Dr. David Tuyo II said. “As a credit union built on campus, we understand the unique challenges faced by students, including athletes, as well as the faculty, staff, alumni and every other important member of the university community. This NIL deal is more than just a sponsorship; it’s an investment in this community’s financial well-being and future success.”
Saint Mary’s College Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Mike Matoso added, “We are excited about our new agreement with University Credit Union regarding the name, image and likeness deal. UCU continues to be an amazing partner with Saint Mary’s College, and this deal is just another example of our growing relationship. UCU is a huge part of the Gael family community, and we cannot thank them enough for this latest commitment.”
Similar NIL deals were recently announced by two other credit unions: The $7.8 billion, East Lansing, Mich.-based MSUFCU and the $4.8 billion, Lake Jackson, Texas-based TDECU.
Last month, UCU announced its first-ever NIL deal with Western Baptist University’s Chloe Webb.