Per GoBearcats:
Supporters of the University of Cincinnati Athletics programs announced on Monday the launch of Cincy Reigns, the first Name, Image and Likeness (“NIL”) fundraising collective formed specifically to help Bearcats’ student-athletes in all sports monetize their personal brands while supporting the Greater Cincinnati philanthropic community. Cincy Reigns will provide several different ways for Cincinnati fans, donors, passionate supporters, alumni and businesses to contribute to the collective to provide NIL and direct financial opportunities for UC student-athletes.
Cincy Reigns was founded with the goal of using the NIL of the University of Cincinnati student-athletes to help promote worthy charitable causes and make positive contributions to our local communities. The Cincy Reigns vision is to create NIL opportunities for all 450+ student-athletes on UC’s 18 varsity teams.
“In order for UC’s student athletes and programs to thrive in the new NIL landscape predominant throughout college athletics, we must create a vibrant and robust financial ecosystem for our coaches and players,” said Brian Fox, Chair of the Cincy Reigns Board of Directors. “We are calling on all Bearcats supporters to get involved with Cincy Reigns to elevate the NIL opportunities for our student-athletes, so we can compete among the best on and off the field.”
Cincy Reigns derives its name from the lyrics of the University of Cincinnati’s pep song “Red and Black.” The final line is emphatically sung: “The Red and Black shall reign!”
In addition to operating a limited liability company that will serve as a clearinghouse for generating NIL deals from the business community, Cincy Reigns will also operate a nonprofit corporation, having filed Articles of Incorporation with the Ohio Secretary of State. Cincy Reigns will also soon file its Form 1023 — Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code — with the Internal Revenue Service so that donors can hopefully get the full benefit of a tax write-off for their donations.
Cincy Reigns is a third-party entity (operating both a nonprofit corporation and limited liability company) that will work closely with UC compliance, licensing, legal and UC’s sports marketing professionals to protect UC student-athletes and ensure compliance with all NCAA and UC NIL policies an guidelines.
Consistent with numerous other NIL Collectives across the country, Cincy Reigns has a two-part leadership structure comprised of a Board of Directors and a Board of Advisors. The Board of Directors is responsible for the legal governance, financial accountability, and casting the vision and direction of Cincy Reigns. The Board of Advisors will serve as a sounding board for UC’s student athletes as they navigate professional decisions and opportunities
Additionally, Cincy Reigns wants UC’s student athletes to thrive on and off the field, during their time as students, and well after graduation. Accordingly, Cincy Reigns will offer character and life education opportunities for student-athletes so they learn how to successfully compete at more than just the sport they love.
For more information on Cincy Reigns, visit CincyReigns.org. For inquiries, email Brian Fox at BFox@cincyreigns.org.
