COMMERCE “ Texas A&M University-Commerce announced the launch of The Mane Exchange on Thursday to provide industry-leading support for student-athletes to maximize opportunities in the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) space.
The launch of The Mane Exchange is part of an expanded Elite-level partnership with Teamworks that includes fully-integrated software solutions for scheduling, creative content management, personal branding, academic advising, and compliance in addition to the new NIL exchange via INFLCR.
As we continue to position A&M-Commerce as one of the preeminent Division I FCS programs in the country, it is critical that we have the necessary infrastructure to support our student-athletes in the NIL space, said Director of Athletics Jim Curry. The launch of The Mane Exchange provides this essential framework to allow our student-athletes to grow their personal brands and maximize NIL opportunities in the modern era of Division I athletics.
We are proud to partner with Texas A&M University-Commerce to support their vision of maximizing NIL opportunities for their student-athletes and driving operational excellence with the full suite of products in their Elite package, said Teamworks CEO, Zach Maurides. The launch of The Mane Exchange will empower student-athletes to monetize their brands with NIL partnerships on a fee-free platform.
The Mane Exchange, powered by INFLCR transforms how student-athletes and interested businesses and individuals find each other and work together in the NIL space. Businesses or individuals from anywhere in the country including student-athletes’ hometowns can register and participate at no cost by visiting LionAthletics.com/Exchange.
A&M-Commerce student-athletes will automatically receive access to The Mane Exchange through their personalized INFLCR app. Businesses and individuals can access the NIL exchange on any device through INFLCRs web platform. As a result of A&M-Commerces investment in this platform, there are no transaction fees taken by INFLCR thereby ensuring student-athletes receive 100 percent of the earnings.
After receiving approval to join The Mane Exchange, registered businesses or individuals can search, filter and initiate direct conversations with student-athletes to discuss NIL opportunities. Student-athletes may also initiate conversations with registered businesses and individuals themselves. As NIL deals are completed, businesses and individuals can process payments directly to student-athletes through The Mane Exchange, which is a secure, PCI-compliant platform.
An added benefit of processing deals through The Mane Exchange is that it will automate required disclosures for student-athletes and produce an aggregated 1099 form at year-end for easier tax reporting for registered businesses and individuals as well as student-athletes.
