COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – The Golden Eagle Collective has been named the official Name, Image, and Likeness ("NIL") collective for Tennessee Tech Athletics -- designed to empower student-athletes across all sports through NIL opportunities and community support.
The mission of The Golden Eagle Collective is to facilitate NIL partnerships between Tennessee Tech student-athletes, local businesses, community organizations, non-profits, and fans. By working in lockstep with Tennessee Tech Athletics, the collective ensures that its efforts align with the University's vision for success, providing key benefits that enhance the overall student-athlete experience.
"We're excited to announce The Golden Eagle Collective as the official NIL collective supporting Tennessee Tech student-athletes. This initiative is a game-changer for our programs, allowing our athletes to engage in meaningful NIL opportunities that also benefit our community. We are grateful for the coalition of alumni who have been tirelessly working to launch this initiative and strongly encourage Golden Eagle fans and supporters to get involved and help position Tennessee Tech for long-term success in this new era of college athletics." said Mark Wilson, Director of Athletics at Tennessee Tech.
Although The Golden Eagle Collective operates independently, it works hand-in-hand with Tennessee Tech Athletics to create seamless, strategic NIL opportunities. By aligning key benefits - such as access to exclusive events, behind-the-scenes content, and direct engagement with student-athletes - the collective strengthens the connection between the university, its supporters, and its athletes.
"The reality of college athletics today is that strong NIL programs correlate with strong performances on the field. With the support of our passionate Golden Eagle community and our alignment with Tennessee Tech Athletics, we can ensure our student-athletes and our team is well-positioned for success" said Coach Wilder, Head Coach of Tennessee Tech Football.
The collective's goal is to be the premier NIL platform in the landscape, giving Tennessee Tech student-athletes the tools and opportunities to thrive in this era. Through exclusive events, meet-and-greets, and community initiatives, supporters become an integral part of the program's success both on and off the field.
"As an alumnus who loves this university, I couldn't be more excited about the future of Tennessee Tech Athletics. A strong NIL ecosystem, built in collaboration with the university, benefits everyone, and we are eager to make a lasting impact," said the collective's Executive Director Wayne Cravens.
Over the next two months, The Golden Eagle Collective is making a push to have 250 initial members. Anyone who joins during that time will receive additional designation as a Founding Member -- a tribute to those who believe in this initiative from the beginning and are committed to Tennessee Tech's success.
Supporters can join The Golden Eagle Collective today and learn more at www.goldeneaglecollective.com.
