Big Blue Nation Can Now Receive K Fund Priority Points for Contributions to NIL Collectives
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Building on the University of Kentucky Athletics Department’s commitment to put student-athletes first in everything, contributors who donate to name, image and likeness (NIL) collectives will now receive K Fund priority points for their support of the Wildcats.
The initiative, which has been in effect since July 1, 2024, is designed to add to the rewards supporters of Wildcats’ NIL opportunities can enjoy.
“Here at UK Athletics, we are embracing the challenge of navigating the landscape in college athletics,” Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart said. “We thank the members of Big Blue Nation who have generously given millions of dollars to our UK partner NIL collectives in just the past year. Their continued support is important to our ability to recruit the best student-athletes to come compete here.
“We will continue to find ways to thank our fans, support our student-athletes and remain focused on putting diplomas in hands and championship rings on fingers.”
The collectives that benefit Kentucky student-athletes are The 15 Club, Club Blue and Commonwealth Causes, W1974, and Charities for Kentucky.
Kentucky fans have contributed more than $10 million to the NIL collectives since the start of the 2023-24 season, and even more since July 1, 2021, when student-athletes began being able to monetize their NIL.
Kentucky Wildcats name-and-number jerseys and personally-branded apparel are also some of the best-selling licensed goods in the college sports market, and many Wildcats have been national leaders in brand endorsement deals over the past three years.
The new benefits for donations to collectives build on UK Athletics’ BBNIL commitment. Fans can see the “BBNIL Difference” in how UK Athletics empowers Wildcats to build their brand and succeed in NIL now and in the future by visiting BBNIL.com.
New Benefits for Contributors to NIL Collectives
For every $100 contributed to NIL Collectives, donors will earn one priority point from the K Fund.
These points can be redeemed for exclusive benefits, such as seating experiences and preferred ticketing status at postseason events.
To ensure donors receive their points, they must provide their K Fund Member ID, method of payment, and the sport they are supporting to the collective they are contributing to.
The staff at each collective will track the points earned and coordinate with the K Fund to ensure supporters receive the benefits they have earned.
Collectives Supporting Kentucky Wildcats
The 15 Club has helped student-athletes set up high-profile endorsement deals, as well as helping fans interact directly with student-athletes. The 15 Club hosted the recent 500 Strong “An Evening with John Legend” event, as well as its annual “Fan Fest.”
Club Blue and Commonwealth Causes have engaged fans with exclusive access subscriptions, in-person events like the “New Era Men’s Basketball Subscribers Only Event,” the upcoming Blue-White Basketball Preseason Event, raffles, auctions and games fans might have seen at games in Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center and Kentucky Proud Park in 2024.
W1974, is committed to empowering women in sports. W1974’s goal builds on UK Athletics’ decades-long commitment to growing women’s sports at Kentucky. NIL will play into the ongoing growth of women’s sports, one which Kentucky is proud to continue.
Charities for Kentucky empowers Kentucky student-athletes to leverage the good they do in the community. Fans are encouraged to contribute to help that group expand its efforts.
The collectives that support Kentucky athletes have been important partners in supporting teams’ competitiveness and helping craft fun experiences for fans.
About UK Athletics
UK Athletics is a leader in college sports, sponsoring 23 varsity sports teams (12 women’s teams, 10 men’s teams, plus the coed rifle team) and hundreds of student-athletes, competing for championships, ensuring their education and well-being, and providing opportunities for the present and future.
About the K Fund
The K Fund is the fundraising arm of UK Athletics, responsible for providing the resources necessary to ensure student-athletes have the opportunity to earn a first-class education and compete for championships. These resources are provided through student-athlete scholarships, state-of-the-art facilities, and the financial support essential for UK Athletics’ 23 varsity sport programs to excel. By investing in the K Fund, contributors providing support to more than 600 UK student-athletes and helping ensure their academic and athletic success. Donations to the K Fund, through Annual & Capital funds, are used to provide:
Student-Athlete Scholarships – tuition, room & board
Academic Support and Career Development
Athletic Facilities Maintenance, Renovations, and/or New Facilities
Coaching & Administrative Support
