DAYTON -- As we tip off our second basketball season with college student-athletes receiving compensation from third parties (but not from their home institution) for use of their name, image and likeness (known as "NIL"), this is another update.  

 We are operating in a challenging and dynamic regulatory environment, and I feel compelled to continue giving you a clear picture of the NIL ecosystem and its impact on the University. The success of our basketball programs is influenced by many factors. The third-party compensation for use of a student-athlete's name, image and likeness is rapidly rising into the top group of critical success factors, along with coaching, facilities, fan support, academic excellence, and overall quality of campus life.

 Our corporate partners have stepped up in incredible ways to support UD student-athletes, through paid individual corporate endorsements and appearances. We have seen corporate support for full-team events coordinated by our event partner at G3 Marketing. But recently, a local sports marketing agency, Dayton 6th, has recognized the need to develop solutions to help ensure third-party support from all fans across the country and at every contribution level.

 Third-party NIL crowdfunding opportunities are growing dramatically, often referred to as "collectives" to provide compensation to players separate from their institution.  Fan bases from Notre Dame to Ohio State to Gonzaga have announced such fan clubs. Per NCAA regulations, schools have no formal control over these third-party entities or their finances. The concept is for fans to pool together "collectively" and assemble money in a common portfolio managed to the benefit of student-athletes to perform legitimate services using their name, image and likeness. It is a way for ALL fans, at every contribution level – no matter how big or small – to invest in student-athletes.

 Dayton 6th is led by Matt Farrell and Tom Whalen, and includes Dayton basketball Hall of Fame advisors George Janky ('70), Brian Roberts ('08) and Keith Waleskowksi ('04). All sponsorship payments to Dayton 6th allow for direct compensation to student-athletes for their engagement across the community.  Whether signing autographs to be mailed to Dayton 6th supporters, visiting local non-profit organizations, promoting regional philanthropic initiatives, or hosting youth basketball clinics and camps, Dayton Flyers men's and women's basketball players will directly earn legitimate and permissible compensation thanks to generous payments to Dayton 6th.

Dayton 6th is making a meaningful impact on the Dayton Flyers basketball programs and across our community. For this reason, I strongly encourage you to visit Dayton6th.com and consider supporting our athletes.

 As always, we thank you for your loyal support of Dayton athletics.  I will continue to strive to share clear and accurate information about the rapidly-changing factors that influence our success.

 Go Flyers!

Neil Sullivan
Vice President and Director of Athletics