ProTouch Africa recently completed The Players NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) five pillar NIL course through a new partnership that will power our midweek writing series focused around athlete support as we delve into each focal point for the next five weeks. The team at ProTouch will be working with The Players NIL to find ways to make the course more applicable to African athletes.
Founder of ProTouch Africa Rebecca Eliot underlined the importance of African athletes powering their destiny and how NIL could be of support once adapted, “In the media age it is important for athletes to maximise what they can control, the five pillar The Players NIL course is a step in the right direction. Once it is adapted it has the potential to positively impact the careers of many athletes on the continent and we are looking to play a key role in that process”
Meanwhile, Mark Koesterer, Founder The Players NIL believes that the partnership with ProTouch Africa has the ability to inspire and empower athletes on the continent, “I am excited to share our playbook on how to achieve success using NIL with Rebecca and ProTouch Africa. The mission and objectives of ProTouch’s Podium Pursuit project are in line with our vision of improving lives through athletics and its positive impact on society. Together, we will empower African athletes to pursue their dreams both in sports and in their personal lives. Our collaboration promises to make a positive difference, and we are thrilled to work together”.
In today’s digital world, athletes must navigate a complex landscape to shape their perceptions and create opportunities. Personal brand development, facilitated through social media platforms and emerging marketing strategies like NIL, has become instrumental in athletes’ success.
Athletes have unprecedented opportunities to shape their brands through social media platforms. By actively engaging with followers and sharing stories, achievements, and personal insights, athletes can connect with a broader audience and cultivate a loyal following. Building a personal brand increases influence and earning potential, attracting endorsement deals, collaborations, and sponsorship opportunities.
The emergence of NIL marketing has transformed the landscape for student-athletes, allowing them to monetize their talents and build their brands. Through NIL opportunities, athletes can capitalize on their skills, gain exposure, and establish long-term financial success. It is important to dispel misconceptions surrounding NIL and understand its critical terms. Athletes should define marketing priorities, explore various avenues beyond social media, and track metrics to gauge progress.
While NIL provides athletes with new opportunities, in the United States it also comes with legal, compliance, and tax considerations.
Athletes navigating NCAA, NAIA, and high school athletic association guidelines must review NIL agreements carefully, and comply with school policies. Understanding the rules and regulations, seeking up-to-date information, and fulfilling tax obligations are crucial to protecting their interests and ensuring long-term compliance. Whilst these aspects are mainly focused on the current policies in the United States there is still some relevance for athletes residing or studying in other parts of the world too. ProTouch is working with various industry leaders to map the way forward for athletes from Africa by understanding these aspects.
Athletes have a unique platform to make a difference through philanthropy. By leveraging their influence and resources, they can inspire and uplift communities. Engaging in philanthropic activities benefits those in need and brings personal fulfilment and a sense of purpose. Athletes can use their brands to promote equality and social progress and create a lasting legacy of positive change.
Financial literacy is a crucial aspect of personal development for athletes. It empowers individuals to make informed decisions about money, including credit management, debt awareness, fraud prevention, budgeting, savings, and investments. By cultivating a strong money mindset, understanding taxes, and seeking professional advice, athletes can build a solid financial foundation and secure their future.
Personal brand development, leveraging social media, understanding NIL marketing, and embracing philanthropy and financial literacy is essential for athletes. By strategically navigating these aspects, athletes can shape their careers, make a positive impact, and ensure long-term success in the evolving landscape of sports and digital media.
ABOUT PROTOUCH AFRICA
PROTOUCH AFRICA is a purpose-driven and for-profit Sports Tech, business founded in 2016 with the purpose to enable African Athletes to perform on the World Stage. It is pioneering new ways for fans to interact and engage with their favourite teams, leagues and athletes and enable alternative revenue streams.
ProTouch Africa’s Podium Pursuit Project is focused on creating a transparent and sustainable funding mechanism for the next generation of African Athletes. Its vision is to launch the World’s first fan-owned impact investment platform for African Athletes, by assembling an ecosystem of top-performing athletes, their fans and the brands that support them.
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