In the ever-evolving landscape of college sports, NIL movement has opened doors for student-athletes to capitalize on their achievements and that was perfectly on display over the weekend.
The NIL Store powered by Campus Ink, a pioneering collegiate merchandising platform, was able to seize a golden opportunity to celebrate a major moment in college football and support North Dakota State University's (NDSU) reserve offensive lineman, Hunter Poncius.
The merch is featured on the NDSU NIL Store, which houses officially licensed NIL apparel for more than 100 Bison athletes.
The Game-Changing Moment:
NDSU fans and college football enthusiasts alike witnessed a thrilling moment when Hunter Poncius blocked an extra point attempt in overtime, securing the Bison's advancement in the FCS Playoffs.
It was a pivotal play that not only showcased Poncius's skill and determination but also etched his name in the hearts of fans.
Even cooler, it was a beautiful moment that happened for a player who typically would never be on the spotlight.
BLOCKED!! Bison Win!! pic.twitter.com/KKjLErmzZw
— NDSU Football (@NDSUfootball) December 2, 2023
The NIL Store's Swift Response
Recognizing the significance of this moment, the NIL Store team wasted no time in reaching out to Hunter Poncius. Understanding the potential for creating unique merchandise that would resonate with fans, the store was able to swiftly ink a deal with the hero.
Creative Ingenuity
The creative team at the NIL Store went quickly got to work to encapsulate the essence of Poncius's feat.
They crew found an epic picture on social media capturing the aftermath of the blocked kick – an image of Hunter with the laces of the football imprinted on his forearm.
The image became the inspiration for Poncius's exclusive merchandise, perfectly displaying his achievement.
Big Cheers. 🤘🦬 BIG DUB https://t.co/VYQgwxZ6pf pic.twitter.com/m3hbtwMJ7T
— Lewis Walker (@lew_walk7) December 2, 2023
Merchandise Unveiled
The NIL Store proudly unveiled a collection of merchandise that not only pays homage to Hunter Poncius's incredible achievement but also provides fans with a tangible way to commemorate the historic moment.
The response from NDSU fans has been nothing short of amazing, as the recognized they could buy a really cool piece of merchandise while also support and say "thanks" to Hunter for his late-game heroics.
THE BOZEMAN BLOCK
— North Dakota State NIL Store (@NDSUNILStore) December 3, 2023
Show love to NDSU’s hero @hunter_poncius - only available for a limited time!https://t.co/WIxb9DrX0D pic.twitter.com/k6RvHHQ7iM
Empowering Student-Athletes
This collaboration between the NIL Store and Hunter Poncius exemplifies the transformative power of the NIL movement. Student-athletes can now leverage their on-field heroics to connect with fans and build their personal brand. It's a win-win scenario where athletes receive the support they deserve, and fans can cherish the moments that define their passion for the game.
The NIL Store's quick and innovative response to Hunter Poncius's remarkable play demonstrates the tremendous potential of the NIL movement in college sports. By immortalizing a key moment in NDSU football history through merchandise, the NIL Store not only supports the athlete but also gives fans a tangible way to celebrate their team's triumphs. It's a testament to the evolving nature of sports marketing and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead for both athletes and fans in the NIL era.
###
WHERE TO WATCH TONIGHT'S MEN'S BASKETBALL GAMES - December 5, 2023
Where to watch #11 FAU at #20 Illinois Men's Basketball
Time: 6:30 pm ET
TV: ESPN
Where: Champaign, Ill.
Where to watch Delaware at Xavier Men's Basketball
Time: 6:30 pm ET
TV: FS1
Where: Cincinnati, Ohio
Where to watch #23 Wisconsin at Michigan State men's basketball
Time: 7 pm ET
TV: Peacock
Where: East Lansing, Mich.
Where to watch Cornell at Syracuse men's basketball
Time: 8 pm ET
TV: ACCN
Where: Syracuse, N.Y.
Where to watch #9 North Carolina at #5 UConn men's basketball
Time: 9 pm ET
TV: ESPN
Where: New York, N.Y.
Where to watch #25 SDSU at GCU Men's Basketball
Time: 9pm ET
TV: ESPNU
Where: Phoenix, Ariz.
Where to watch Indiana at Michigan men's basketball
Time: 9pm ET
TV: Peacock
Where: Ann Arbor, Mich.
Where to watch SUU at Utah
men's basketball
Time: 9 pm ET
TV: PAC12
Where: Salt Lake City, Utah
Where to watch Montana State at Washington
men's basketball
Time: 11pm ET
TV: PAC12
Where: Seattle, Wash.
###