FORT MYERS, Fla. – SWFL Flight Crew, the first-ever name, image and likeness (NIL) collective for FGCU Athletics, has been created to support student-athletes.

"This collaboration marks a significant step forward in our commitment to supporting our student-athletes in their journey to excel both on and off the court," said Pat Chambers, head men's basketball coach. "We believe our student-athletes should have the opportunity to benefit from their NIL while representing FGCU. The SWFL Flight Crew shares our vision of empowering the young men on our team to maximize their potential, and we couldn't be more excited about the possibilities."

SWFL Flight Crew is a third-party B corporation that connects FGCU student-athletes with opportunities to leverage their NIL.

"The SWFL Flight Crew aims to build relationships between regional businesses, fans, boosters, nonprofit organizations and Florida Gulf Coast athletes, allowing the athletes to realize the full potential of their NIL campaigns by making appearances at community events as well as leveraging their social media presence," said Timothy J. Cartwright, chair, SWFL Flight Crew. "The college sports landscape changed forever July 1, 2021, when the NCAA permitted student-athletes to earn compensation for their NIL."

Cartwright is no stranger to FGCU. His expertise helped the university establish its entrepreneurship program – now the Daveler & Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship.

"The SWFL Flight Crew was established by a group of regional business leaders to assist FGCU student-athletes as they take the first step on their entrepreneurial journey of marketing themselves and engaging with their fans and the community," said Cartwright, who leads the collective with support from business leaders James Richmond and Bob Mills.

According to the SWFL Flight Crew website, the collective depends on membership fees from alumni and fans, who gain access to exclusive private events, and appearance or endorsement fees from local businesses. The collective then works with athletes to match them with opportunities to use their NIL. Athletes promote these businesses and SWFL Flight Crew members' charities through endorsements, appearances and social media promotions. Payments to athletes are made from the money generated by the SWFL Flight Crew.

"Local charities grow as student-athletes experience the impact of their NIL partnerships on partner organizations. The school retains its athletes, who are likelier to stay in college instead of turning pro or transferring."

FGCU Athletics believes every student-athlete has an opportunity to capitalize on their NIL. In February, FGCU launched the FGCU NIL Store powered by Campus Ink, featuring custom and co-licensed merchandise.

"Eagle Nation, we are excited to introduce the SWFL Flight Crew as our preferred NIL collective," Director of Athletics Ken Kavanagh said. "As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of intercollegiate athletics, it's crucial that we provide our Eagles with the best opportunities to succeed.

"That's why we're thrilled to collaborate with the SWFL Flight Crew, a dynamic organization that shares our passion for empowering student-athletes. We believe this collective will allow our student-athletes access to unprecedented NIL opportunities, mentorship and valuable educational resources to help them maximize their potential."

Learn more at swflflightcrew.com.