THE WEEKLY REPORT

Good Morning!

NIL is surging into 2025, with brands doubling down. Red Bull is making big moves, Rhoback’s NIL strategy continues to set the bar, and the Super Bowl is fueling significant athlete social growth. Let’s dive in!

— Jack Adler and Nick Zoarski

Red Bull’s NIL Strategy: Expanding in 2024, Making a Statement in 2025

Red Bull has steadily built one of the most dynamic NIL portfolios in sports, strategically aligning with athletes across multiple disciplines. While many brands focus solely on mainstream college football and basketball stars, Red Bull has taken a broader approach—signing stand out talent in volleyball, hockey, and beyond. Their latest move? Partnering with Texas quarterback Arch Manning, one of the most valuable NIL athletes in the country, as they charge into 2025.

How Red Bull is Approaching NIL:

• Cross-Sport Athlete Selection – Red Bull isn’t limiting itself to the usual high-profile sports. They’re investing in game-changing athletes in women’s basketball, volleyball, hockey, and football, recognizing the growing influence of these athletes beyond just their on-field performance. This diversification expands their reach and cements their brand in emerging NIL markets.

• Arch Manning Partnership – Red Bull’s biggest NIL splash heading into 2025 is its deal with Arch Manning. As the projected face of Texas football and a quarterback with an NIL valuation of over $6.6 million, Manning represents a massive opportunity. His deep football lineage and national recognition make him a perfect ambassador for a brand built on elite performance and high-energy marketing.

• A Long-Term Brand Play – Red Bull’s NIL deals go beyond one-off campaigns. They’re selecting athletes who fit their brand identity—those who embody high performance, excitement, and individualism. By bringing in a mix of established college stars and rising high school phenoms, they’re positioning themselves as a long-term player in the NIL space, rather than just testing the waters.

By making a major statement with Arch Manning and continuing to push into diverse sports, Red Bull is proving they’re here to compete in NIL—not just for a season, but for the long haul.

👉 Learn more about how brands are executing NIL strategies like Red Bull by using Out2Win here.

Rhoback’s Playbook: How Rhoback U and Smart Athlete Partnerships Are Reshaping NIL

Rhoback, a premium activewear brand, has effectively leveraged the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) landscape through its innovative Rhoback U program. Launched in July 2021, Rhoback U empowers student-athletes across all divisions to monetize their personal brands by offering shareable links that provide cash rewards for first-time sales generated through their referrals.

Key Elements of Rhoback’s NIL Strategy:

• Strategic Athlete Partnerships: Rhoback has formed exclusive partnerships with prominent athletes to serve as the faces of their brand. Notable collaborations include football players Quinn Ewers (Texas), Jalen Milroe (Alabama), and Caleb Downs (Alabama). These athletes embody Rhoback's "Crave Activity" ethos, enhancing the brand's visibility and credibility within collegiate sports.

• Comprehensive Support and Content Creation: Rhoback provides its core athletes with a combination of cash compensation, performance-based commissions, and substantial amounts of apparel. The company is also developing a media house to assist athletes in brand messaging and content creation for their social media channels, enhancing their personal brands and expanding their reach.

• Scalable Athlete Marketing Campaigns: To efficiently manage and expand their athlete partnerships, Rhoback utilizes Out2Win's platform. This tool enables them to identify high-performing athletes across various sports, streamline outreach, and build impactful marketing campaigns that drive both brand awareness and engagement.

By fostering inclusivity through Rhoback U and forming strategic partnerships with high-profile athletes, Rhoback has established a robust presence in the NIL landscape, supporting student-athletes in monetizing their personal brands while promoting its own activewear line.

👉 Click here to learn more on how Rhoback is executing their athlete marketing strategy.

The Super Bowl Effect: How Big Moments Create Stars and Build Brands

The Super Bowl isn’t just the biggest game in football—it’s the ultimate spotlight. A single moment can define a career, but in today’s digital era, it can also build a brand. Just ask Cooper DeJean. The rookie cornerback made history with a pick-six on the game’s biggest stage, and now he’s reaping the rewards—not just on the field, but online, where his social following has exploded.

How the Super Bowl Fueled DeJean’s Brand Growth:

• A Moment That Went Viral – DeJean’s pick-six off Patrick Mahomes wasn’t just a clutch play; it was historic. On his 22nd birthday, he became the first player ever to score a Super Bowl touchdown on their birthday, instantly turning him into one of the game’s biggest storylines.

• Social Media Explosion – After his standout performance, DeJean’s social media following skyrocketed. He gained hundreds of thousands of followers overnight, closing in on a million—a massive jump for a rookie cornerback who, before the game, was far from a household name.

• The Power of Big Stages – The Super Bowl is the most-watched event in sports, and moments like DeJean’s prove how one play can transform an athlete’s personal brand. In an era where endorsements are heavily influenced by digital reach, these viral moments turn into long-term opportunities.

Cooper DeJean’s rise is a perfect example of how, in today’s game, moments don’t just make memories—they build brands.

We want your feedback!

We’d greatly appreciate if you would complete this form to provide your feedback on how we can improve our Weekly Report