IOWA CITY, Iowa — Name image and likeness (NIL) deals aren't just for star athletes: members of the University of Iowa Marching Band are also cashing in on the opportunity.
Eighteen members of the Hawkeye Marching Band signed a NIL deal over the weekend with The Brick Kitchen, a kitchenware store in Independence. Each of the students is a member of the mellophone section.
The Brick Kitchen says the deal is the first time in history members of the Iowa marching band have been compensated for use of their name, image and likeness.
In a statement on Facebook, The Brick Kitchen owner Shelly Whited said in part: "Many of these students are also trying to maintain part-time jobs, so it can be stressful. This is a great way for us to provide a little financial help and have a lot of fun while doing it. We are also excited to be the first business to ink a deal for a full instrument section with an NCAA Marching Band.”
The Brick Kitchen plans to include the band members in advertising and social media campaigns in exchange for financial compensation and products from store.
“It’s not just the student athletes who put in a lot of work to create something wonderful for the University and the community," Hawkeye Marching Band member Chen You Wu said in a statement. “I hope can be trailblazers for other students.”
Another marching band member, Nick Feingold, added in a statement, "Maybe one day it will be just as common for a band to get NIL deals as athletes!”