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Today’s Case

Pack of Wolves Collective puts on sports clinic for local foster and adoption youth.

Pack of Wolves, a fan-driven and alumni-led collective for NC State student-athletes, alumni, and fans, does a phenomenal job of not only sourcing partnerships for their athletes, but educating them on the benefits of NIL beyond the dollars and deals.

Recently, the collective’s football players joined Wake County Government to put on a sports clinic for over 100 local foster & adoption youth from the area. Other events from earlier this year include nearly 60 Wolfpack football players participating in an event at the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, partnering with a Raleigh-based center for individuals with Down Syndrome, and volunteering at a local elementary school to prep their garden for sustained food growth.

I recently spoke with Pack of Wolves General Manager Chris Vurnakes, who ensures the collective’s athletes are contributing off the field in a meaningful way:

"I'm so proud of the work out student athletes have done in the community. Since December [2022], Pack of Wolves student athletes have made over 200 appearances with local non-profits like the Boy's and Girl's Club, Gigi's Playhouse, Habitat for Humanity and the Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC," Vurnakes said. "Non-profit engagements are core to our Collective's mission and central to building our student athlete's brands in our community."

The Verdict:

• Pack of Wolves is arguably THE best collective in college athletics in relation to community service

  • From the examples above to numerous other charitable activities the collective’s athletes have performed, it’s nice to see players giving back to something bigger than sports.

• Great job by the collective’s leadership to educate athletes on what is important

  • Teaching athlete leadership skills, personal brand development and the value of community service, among other traits, is gearing these athletes up for success during their college days and post-graduation.

• There should be more community service/charity tie-ins to NIL deals

  • Giving back (either in the city where the college is located or the athlete’s respective hometowns) has numerous advantages.

    • Relationship building, learning about a new business, significant boost for these organizations in regards to donations and foot traffic, etc. are just a few of the many advantages using NIL for a larger purpose.

Summer is optimal for student-athlete’s brand building

A short investment now will pay big dividends later. I highlight three reasons why in this LinkedIn post!

Question of the Day

Will alcohol ever be allowed for NIL deals?

• Yes

• No

Vote on the Sports Court Instagram Story and comment below.

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<sup>I discuss insights and news related to name, image and likeness in 3 minutes or less every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 12p ET/9a PT.

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Court is adjourned. Go be great!!