Washington State University is enhancing its Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) initiatives by introducing two new positions aimed at supporting Cougar student-athletes. This initiative also encompasses an increase in resources and expanded marketplace opportunities for the athletes.

The newly created roles are the Director of Playfly Max, who will work with WSU’s new multimedia rights holder, Playfly, and the Director of NIL Services within the athletics department.

Anne McCoy, WSU’s Director of Athletics, emphasized the importance of a strong NIL program in enhancing the student-athlete experience, stating, “We are committed to elevating the student-athlete experience at WSU, and a robust NIL program is crucial to that effort. We look to be innovative, strategic, and collaborative in our approach and appreciate the efforts of all involved to make this beneficial to our student-athletes.”

The Director of Playfly Max will collaborate closely with the athletics staff, the Cougar Collective, and Playfly MMR staff to:
– Solicit and finalize commercial NIL partnership agreements.
– Develop and execute innovative revenue strategies and events.
– Create comprehensive plans to enhance WSU’s NIL program financially.

On the other hand, the Director of NIL Services will oversee and promote all NIL-related initiatives within the department. Key responsibilities include:
– Coordinating and managing NIL marketing opportunities, aiding student-athletes in building their personal brands and connecting with various brands.
– Collaborating with Playfly to secure NIL opportunities from corporate sponsors.
– Providing education on personal branding, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy to student-athletes.
– Ensuring that both coaches and student-athletes are well-informed about third-party NIL platforms and resources, and properly reporting third-party deals through the new NILGO platform.