#2 Build a Strong Financial Future

Author

Grant Sapkin
September 22, 2024

Welcome back to another edition of The NIL Athlete.

Athletes have been asking how to land deals with financial companies.

This week we’re answering that question by breaking down the deal between Colorado’s Travis Hunter and NerdWallet, showing you how to get your foot in the door. 

Background on this deal -

Travis Hunter has become the first football player to sign a deal with NerdWallet, a personal finance platform that helps consumers compare and find top financial products.

As part of the "Smartest NIL Deal Ever," Hunter will publicly share his contract terms and commit to a smart money action, setting him apart as an athlete who is as skillful with finance as he is with football. He's chosen to put 20% of his earnings into a savings account, a solid move for any wealth-building strategy.

As a student-athlete, I find partnering with a financial company essential.

Here’s 5 reasons why:

  • Financial Literacy: Gain valuable education on managing money, budgeting, and investing early in your career.

  • Wealth Management: Access professional guidance on growing and preserving your earnings over time.

  • Investment Opportunities: Explore options for long-term investment, helping to secure financial stability beyond your athletic career.

  • NIL Revenue Maximization: Learn how to effectively leverage name, image, and likeness deals for maximum financial benefit.

  • Tax Planning: Receive advice on navigating taxes related to earnings from NIL deals and endorsements.

Action steps on how you can partner with NerdWallet.

  1. Create a LinkedIn profile (if you do not already have one). LinkedIn is where business people get deals done.

  2. Send a connection request to the following people at NerdWallet -

    • Connect with Alison McCoy Vice President of Brand Marketing

      “Hi Alison, my name is {FIRST NAME}, and I compete in {SPORT} at {SCHOOL}. I’ve been maximizing my NIL by learning to secure financial stability beyond my athletic career. What is your availability next week to discuss a potential partnership to drive more awareness for NerdWallet?”

    • Connect with Drew Prescott Head of Content Marketing

      “Hi Drew, my name is {FIRST NAME}, and I compete in {SPORT} at {SCHOOL}. As a young athlete, I find it important to learn how to effectively manage my NIL earnings, budgeting, and investing in my career. I believe I can drive immense value toward NerdWallet. Open to an intro call?”

  3. Notice how the messages above give context to who you are, how you value financial literacy, and your passion for helping NerdWallet gain more exposure.

  4. Take it a step further: Create a post about how NerdWallet is helping young athletes confidently make financial decisions and tag the company.

  5. Stay persistent, set up an introduction call, and ask questions about how you can add value to their company.

  6. Negotiate terms and close the deal.

This same method can be applied to other financial companies entering the NIL industry.

Strive for greatness and win the game!

Talk soon.

Best,

GS