Fairfield, Conn. – The Sacred Heart University Department of Athletics has announced a partnership with Accelerate Sports Ventures to serve as the department's Revenue Sharing and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) consultancy. As the college athletics landscape continues to evolve, Accelerate will play a pivotal role in advising the administration, head coaches, student-athletes, and staff on how to best navigate this new era of college sports.
"Conferences and schools need to be strategic, and laser focused on how to administer and execute revenue sharing, NIL, and how it impacts the transfer portal. Accelerate will deliver strategy, true market data, analytics, and best practices on how to succeed in this new world" said Accelerate CEO Doug Fillis. "At the beginning of the NIL era, our clients were worried about competing given the rapid change. Since then, those clients have won National Championships, played in CFP playoffs, multiple Final Fours, and bowl games. We will continue to play an important role in helping our partners be highly competitive and successful."
"Name, image and likeness opportunities have opened a new door for athletes, and we want to provide the best resources available for them to capitalize on those opportunities," said Executive Director of Athletics Judy Ann Riccio. "This partnership with Accelerate is the next step in supporting our student-athletes' ability to build a brand and connect with fans as they maneuver the constantly evolving collegiate landscape."
Through this partnership, Sacred Heart will tap into Accelerate's expertise utilizing educational workshops tailored for student-athletes, coaches, and administrators. Beyond guiding the institution on best practices in recruiting strategy, revenue sharing, and transfer portal navigation, Accelerate will offer individualized support to help athletes achieve their NIL goals. Student-athletes will also have direct access to Julia Fisch, Director of Athlete Relations, who will assist with NIL education, endorsement opportunities, and personal brand development.
The Pioneers are the latest addition to Accelerate's rapidly expanding NIL portfolio, joining a prestigious roster of institutions including Penn State, UConn, Boston College, NC State, Utah, Fairfield, Merrimack, Siena, Mount St. Mary, Marist, American, the 3C2A and more than 200 high schools across the country.
