CHAMPAIGN, Ill.– The University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA) has joined forces with Altius Sports Partners (ASP) to enhance its NIL program. ASP, an experienced advisor and trusted voice across the collegiate athletics landscape, will provide personalized NIL guidance and educational support, along with assistance developing and executing innovative NIL initiatives.
The partnership includes guidance on NIL strategy, donor educational services, and program expansion, as well as support identifying new pathways to empower Fighting Illini student-athletes. ASP will also conduct educational and strategy workshops for student-athletes, coaches, and administration.
“Alongside a world-class education, state-of-the-art facilities, and exceptional coaching, Illinois Athletics must move aggressively to operate at the forefront of the NIL era," stated Josh Whitman, University of Illinois Director of Athletics. "By partnering with experts like Altius Sports, we are attempting to differentiate ourselves while providing our student-athletes with unparalleled support, resources, and opportunities to thrive."
ASP is an official partner of leading collegiate athletic departments and specializes in developing and managing NIL programs. Their comprehensive approach and industry expertise will help the various stakeholder groups successfully navigate the evolving collegiate landscape.
"We are excited to team up with Josh Whitman and the Illinois staff, whose program exemplifies a strong dedication to continuous success. Together, we will provide the resources and guidance needed to position Illinois as a leader in this NIL field. Our goal is to empower all stakeholders and athletes, offering them unparalleled support and opportunities to excel in this new era," said Celine Mangan, Director of Business and Client Strategy at ASP.
This collaboration reinforces Illinois' commitment to preparing Fighting Illini student-athletes to maximize their NIL rights. It is yet another element of the life-changing student-athlete experience at the center of DIA's strategic priorities. In recent years, Illinois student-athletes have set school records for APR and graduation rates. Competitively, since 2016, UI programs have made 82 NCAA postseason appearances, with 22 teams ranking in the top 16 nationally and seven in the top four. Notable Big Ten accomplishments have included the men's basketball championship in 2022 and tournament crown in 2021, eight consecutive men's golf titles, the school's first-ever women's golf title in 2023, a men's tennis championship in 2021, and men's gymnastics title in 2018.
About Altius Sports Partners:
Altius Sports Partners (ASP) is the leading advisor to elite collegiate athletics programs and sports properties, offering strategic planning, compliance support, and education. They provide innovative solutions for topics such as NIL and the evolving landscape of employment and media rights in college athletics. In just three years, ASP has expanded from two school partners to supporting over 30 universities, including almost half of the Power Five. They have launched groundbreaking initiatives like the on-campus NIL GM Program and ASP Academy, and have collaborated with Women Leaders in College Sports, the NFL, NFL Players Association, and NBC Sports Athlete Direct. ASP's goal is to empower all stakeholders with the resources needed to succeed in the new era of college athletics, leveraging their expertise to drive education, access, and excellence. Their diverse team of leaders is committed to raising the bar in the industry.
The partnership includes guidance on NIL strategy, donor educational services, and program expansion, as well as support identifying new pathways to empower Fighting Illini student-athletes. ASP will also conduct educational and strategy workshops for student-athletes, coaches, and administration.
“Alongside a world-class education, state-of-the-art facilities, and exceptional coaching, Illinois Athletics must move aggressively to operate at the forefront of the NIL era," stated Josh Whitman, University of Illinois Director of Athletics. "By partnering with experts like Altius Sports, we are attempting to differentiate ourselves while providing our student-athletes with unparalleled support, resources, and opportunities to thrive."
ASP is an official partner of leading collegiate athletic departments and specializes in developing and managing NIL programs. Their comprehensive approach and industry expertise will help the various stakeholder groups successfully navigate the evolving collegiate landscape.
"We are excited to team up with Josh Whitman and the Illinois staff, whose program exemplifies a strong dedication to continuous success. Together, we will provide the resources and guidance needed to position Illinois as a leader in this NIL field. Our goal is to empower all stakeholders and athletes, offering them unparalleled support and opportunities to excel in this new era," said Celine Mangan, Director of Business and Client Strategy at ASP.
This collaboration reinforces Illinois' commitment to preparing Fighting Illini student-athletes to maximize their NIL rights. It is yet another element of the life-changing student-athlete experience at the center of DIA's strategic priorities. In recent years, Illinois student-athletes have set school records for APR and graduation rates. Competitively, since 2016, UI programs have made 82 NCAA postseason appearances, with 22 teams ranking in the top 16 nationally and seven in the top four. Notable Big Ten accomplishments have included the men's basketball championship in 2022 and tournament crown in 2021, eight consecutive men's golf titles, the school's first-ever women's golf title in 2023, a men's tennis championship in 2021, and men's gymnastics title in 2018.
About Altius Sports Partners:
Altius Sports Partners (ASP) is the leading advisor to elite collegiate athletics programs and sports properties, offering strategic planning, compliance support, and education. They provide innovative solutions for topics such as NIL and the evolving landscape of employment and media rights in college athletics. In just three years, ASP has expanded from two school partners to supporting over 30 universities, including almost half of the Power Five. They have launched groundbreaking initiatives like the on-campus NIL GM Program and ASP Academy, and have collaborated with Women Leaders in College Sports, the NFL, NFL Players Association, and NBC Sports Athlete Direct. ASP's goal is to empower all stakeholders with the resources needed to succeed in the new era of college athletics, leveraging their expertise to drive education, access, and excellence. Their diverse team of leaders is committed to raising the bar in the industry.
