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Today’s Case

LinkingCoogs NIL collective signs three year deal with credit union TDECU to benefit all Houston athletes

The Houston-driven NIL collective LinkingCoogs signed a multi-year partnership with Texas Dow Employees Credit Union (TDECU) that will allow more than 600 athletes across 17 sports the opportunity to opt-in to a fee-free payment infrastructure.

This will allow athletes to open accounts with the credit union while waiving fees that would incur with opening up accounts. The three-year deal will allow Houston athletes to receive free guidance on establishing credit, budgeting effectively and understanding tax obligations from the credit union. It’s the first time TDECU has struck a deal for its infrastructure to be used by athletes to create a solid financial foundation.

The deal is valued in the mid-six figures and athletes will be able to promote the credit union in return for NIL compensation. Plans are in place for campaigns and events with athletes spread across the 17 sports.

LinkingCoogs vice president Landon Goesling: “We are thrilled to announce our multi-year NIL partnership with TDECU after two years of collaboration. This groundbreaking alliance promises to redefine NIL engagements in the financial services category…the impact will be significant for Houston’s student-athletes and community.”

The Verdict

• All athletes deal is the way to go

  • While most NIL partnerships promote one athlete or even an entire team, I like that the TDECU deal benefits all Cougars student-athletes.

    • This also provides the large percentage of athletes who never earn an NIL deal the opportunity to tap into their brand with a reputable organization.

  • HBCU Grambling State also put together a similar deal for all its athletes in 2022.

• Setting up their future

  • As more athletes tap into their name, image and likeness, laying a solid financial foundation is critical - something that TDECU is doing with this partnership.

    • Tax, financial planning, and establishing credit are all things athletes will need to do post-college, so might as well have them learn these critical lessons now - and earn some NIL dollars in the process.

Meet this year’s first March Madness NIL star

After a big win against Kentucky, Oakland University’s Jack Gohlke has signed six NIL partnerships to date. Check out this video for more!

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