In support of Western Michigan University Athletics' goal to lead their conferences in providing name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities for all Bronco student-athletes, WMU Athletics is excited to announce the Broncos Will Reign Collective as the preferred collective of Bronco Athletics.
Broncos Will Reign is an independent nonprofit NIL collective led by Bronco Alums Jason Babin, Scott Selzer, and Mitch Zajac, which has filed for 501(c)(3) status.
As a charitable organization, Broncos Will Reign's mission is to unite the community of Bronco alumni and supporters to empower Western Michigan Student-Athletes to be leaders of change in their communities while taking advantage of name, image, and likeliness opportunities to support Bronco student-athletes financially.
"Being a Bronco student-athlete not only prepared me for life after college and in the NFL, but it was some of the best years of my life. As the landscape of college athletics continues to change, it is exciting to see that all current and future student-athletes will be able to capitalize on the exposure they will receive through Broncos Will Reign. Let's all get behind this effort to support our student-athletes," said Jason Babin, 2X MAC Defensive Player of the Year, 2004 27th Overall NFL Draft Pick by Houston Texans, and 2X Pro Bowl Selection.
The core function of the Broncos Will Reign collective is to secure charitable contributions and offer meaningful NIL partnerships to Bronco student-athletes for their participation in community service initiatives in and around the Kalamazoo and Western Michigan University communities.
"We have set a priority to connect with our community in amazing ways and also support our athletes' ability to monetize their name, image, and likeness," said Director of Athletics Dan Bartholomae. "We appreciate the Broncos Will Reign's unique approach to providing much needed support to both our local community and to Bronco student-athletes".
Those wishing to support Broncos Will Reign can make donations online.
Added Bartholomae, "The financial support of NIL activities is central in achieving our goals in the areas of competitive success and student-athlete development, and this initiative aligns directly with our strategic plan. We urge Bronco supporters far and wide to support this important priority."
For additional information, please visit the official website of the collective.
Statements of Support
"Broncos Will Reign is a collective that gives our student-athletes a platform where they can not only earn money but grow personally and professionally on and off the field." – Head Football Coach, Lance Taylor
"Broncos Will Reign is a great opportunity for our student-athletes to develop life-skills off the court and to be great ambassadors, showing the quality of character of WMU athletes through their charitable giving." - Head Women's Basketball Coach, Shane Clipfell
"The Bronco community has been welcoming and so supportive of me. They have really made Western feel like home. Having the opportunity to give back to the community means a lot to me." - Kenih Lovely, All-MAC WMU Football Student-Athlete
Additional NIL Resources
In order to present the most comprehensive NIL program, Western Michigan University Athletics also provides several additional NIL resources enabling Broncos student-athletes to fully leverage all potential opportunities:
ONWARD
ONWARD, a comprehensive Name, Image, and Likeness program that will provide WMU student-athletes with technology, education and resources to succeed in the NIL era. For more information on ONWARD, and to learn how you can support the educational efforts around NIL, please visit the official NIL landing page.
THE BRONCO EXCHANGE
The Bronco Exchange, provided through partnership with the INFLCR local business exchange platform, is the home for both local and national businesses to connect and engage with Bronco student-athletes for NIL opportunities. This is a free service for student-athletes and the businesses who use it.
WMU NIL POLICY
Western Michigan University and its Department of Intercollegiate Athletics prioritize providing resources that support the holistic development of its student-athletes. WMU has embraced the opportunity to provide a platform for empowering its student-athletes. The Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) Policy applies to all WMU student-athletes and articulates the process and procedures governing student-athlete use of their NIL.
