Story Links NORMAL – BloNo Pizza Co. is collaborating with all fourteen student-athletes from the Illinois State women’s basketball team to offer both monetary support and in-kind contributions as part of a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreement for the 2024-25 academic year. This initiative marks the inaugural full-team NIL deal executed by any local […]
NORMAL – BloNo Pizza Co. is collaborating with all fourteen student-athletes from the Illinois State women’s basketball team to offer both monetary support and in-kind contributions as part of a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreement for the 2024-25 academic year. This initiative marks the inaugural full-team NIL deal executed by any local Bloomington-Normal business in the history of Illinois State Athletics.
Located 1.8 miles west of CEFCU Arena, the home of ISU Women’s Basketball, BloNo Pizza Co. has recently launched the new Westside Smoke restaurant at the same site. “We are incredibly excited to support women’s sports and the Illinois State Women’s Basketball program,” said Brett Matthews, Owner of BloNo Pizza Co.
According to the State of Illinois Student-Athlete Endorsement Rights Act, NIL agreements must involve a quid-pro-quo arrangement, and all fourteen student-athletes will deliver the following services in fulfillment of this agreement:
• Full team commercial shoot at CEFCU Arena to promote BloNo Pizza Co., which will be displayed on the video board during women’s basketball games
• Special event at BloNo Pizza Co. for fans to meet the ISU women’s basketball team and showcase their newly revamped Westside Smoke area of the restaurant
• Each student-athlete will share posts on their personal Instagram accounts to promote BloNo Pizza Co. and the upcoming team event on a date that is yet to be announced
“We are delighted to see BloNo Pizza Co. take this initiative to support our entire Women’s Basketball team through this NIL collaboration,” remarked ISU Head Women’s Basketball Coach Kristen Gillespie. “This is a transformative step not only for our student-athletes but also for the entire Illinois State Athletics. It reflects the strong community spirit we hold here in Bloomington-Normal and the faith in our program and the outstanding student-athletes that contribute to its distinction. We are honored to be a part of this significant achievement and thankful for BloNo Pizza Co.’s dedication to uplifting our female student-athletes both on and off the court.”
Empower the Nest, the Official NIL Collective for Illinois State Student-Athletes, has experienced over 400 percent growth since the commencement of the 2023-24 academic year. The ISU Women’s Basketball program has also initiated its own program-centric efforts (Fly With Us), operating under the Empower The Nest umbrella.
“As the Director of NIL, I am excited to witness the entire Women’s Basketball team collaborating with BloNo Pizza Co.,” said ISU Director of NIL Brennan White. “This agreement not only showcases the exceptional skills and marketability of these student-athletes but also highlights the significance of local businesses investing in the progression of collegiate sports. Partnerships like this forge long-lasting community ties and enable our female student-athletes to thrive both on and off the court.”
Supporters and fans of ISU Athletics interested in contributing to the Official NIL Collective for Illinois State Student-Athletes, Empower The Nest, or directly aiding Illinois State student-athletes are encouraged to contact White via email at bjwhit3@ilstu.edu.
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