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Today’s Case

Ole Miss athletes give back to local families in need through Grove Collective initiative, earn flight credits

Last week, select Ole Miss athletes who are a part of the Grove Collective spent part of a day giving food to local families in need.

The initiative, called Meals Up, is part of the program the Grove Collective has with private jet company Wheels UP. Ole Miss athletes (currently 25) signed with the collective are eligible for travel credits that help them and their families travel via Delta Airlines.

In order to earn these travel benefits through the collective’s partnership with Wheels Up, the athletes partake in local philanthropic events with Meals Up.

Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart, who participated in the initiative: “I think any time that you’re able to support those who are hungry, I think that’s a really big deal. I also just think as athletes, the community is very supportive. I think it’s very important for us to get outside of the walls of campus and the walls of your team and stuff like that, and really look out for others.”

The Verdict:

• Always a big supporter of community service for athletes

  • Love to see athletes take time out of their day to give back to those in need and show that helping people who are less fortunate makes everyone better.

  • Would like to see more NIL deals in general involve a community aspect/tie-in.

    • The athlete benefits by spending time outside of sports/school for a good cause, and the organizations benefit from the potential increased donations, press coverage, foot traffic, etc.

• Flight credits are a unique, yet practical benefit

  • Community service for travel credits is a nice perk - especially for athletes who are far away from home.

  • This also helps rectify an issue with personal travel for athletes by providing free or reduced cost flights via the partnership.

    • This may also help build loyalty for Delta Airlines from these athletes.

  • Some schools already have official airline partnerships, so expanding the relationship via similar NIL deals would be beneficial for everyone involved.

Paige Bueckers give back to her hometown junior high school

The UConn women’s basketball star opened a free grocery store inside Hopkins West Junior High School in Minnetonka, Minnesota. Watch this YouTube video for more!

Question of the Day

What are your thoughts on NIL Collectives?

• Beneficial for athletes

• Not a great thing

• Don’t know enough about them

Vote on the Sports Court Instagram Story and comment below.

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Court is adjourned. Go be great!!