WICHITA, Kan. (March 7, 2024) – Blueprint Sports (BPSE), the industry leader in full-service Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) collectives, today announced the launch of Wheat Shock Collective (formerly Armchair Strategies), the premiere collective supporting NIL opportunities for Shocker student-athletes. The partnership will provide increased infrastructure for the collective as it strives to elevate its NIL strategies and support for WSU student-athletes, fans, and alumni. Wheat Shock Collective is rebranded from Armchair Strategies, the first NIL collective at Wichita State, effective immediately.
“We’re excited to see Wichita State student-athletes benefit from the additional support that Wheat Shock Collective will provide,” said Kevin Saal, Director of Athletics at Wichita State University. “We all know how important NIL is in today’s landscape, so having an organization that’s dedicated to their NIL success and to connecting them with the Wichita community is critical. With alums Tymber and Tyler, as well as other members of this wonderful collective leadership group, it’s paramount we support these new endeavors to positively impact the future successes of NIL at WSU. As we journey ahead, we are challenging 5,000 members of Shocker Nation, from around the globe, to support the Wheat Shock Collective with a $500 annual gift. These resources will equip both Wheat Shock Collective and Shocker Athletics in the recruitment, development and retention of elite-level talent.”
"Elevating WSU athletics has been a central focus for us since the inception of the collective nearly two years ago," said Tymber Lee, partner at Wheat Shock Collective. "With the increasing importance of NIL, and in collaboration with Blueprint Sports, we are advancing our efforts to provide even more support in new and creative ways. This presents a significant opportunity for all Shockers, and your support is particularly crucial at this juncture."
The launch of Wheat Shock Collective streamlines NIL support for WSU student-athletes and includes a brand-new membership program for fans, supporters and alumni. Wheat Shock Collective members will gain exclusive access to content, events, merchandise and more. Additionally, the collective will also accept tax-deductible donations through a partnership with the BPS Foundation, a national 501c3 organization, and corporate sponsorship options for businesses looking to partner with student-athletes to promote a product or service.
Wheat Shock Collective supporters, alumni, and fans have three easy ways to contribute to the collective:
- Tax-Deductible Donations: Wheat Shock Collective has partnered with the BPS Foundation, a national 501c3 organization, to support WSU student-athletes. Student-athletes will partner with local nonprofits to work as advocates for charitable causes, including fulfilling that commitment personally with community service hours.
- Membership: Become a member of Wheat Shock Collective and receive exclusive member benefits, like meet-and-greets with student-athletes, autographed merchandise, and more.
- Corporate Sponsorship: NIL allows local and national sponsors to partner with Wichita State student-athletes for endorsement deals, marketing campaigns, appearances, and other projects.
The collective will also enhance its operations by hiring full-time professionals and local staff members who are dedicated to running day-to-day operations, fundraising campaigns, corporate partnerships, athlete engagements, and more, with additional support from Blueprint Sports’ national team of experts. Shocker men’s basketball, baseball, and women’s volleyball student-athletes have already participated in NIL engagements this year, with more WSU student-athletes benefiting from the collective’s support in the weeks to come.
For more information about Wheat Shock Collective, visit wheatshockcollective.com and follow them on Instagram, X, and Facebook. You can also email your questions to info@wheatshockcollective.com.
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ABOUT WHEAT SHOCK COLLECTIVE
Wheat Shock Collective (formerly Armchair Strategies) is a fan-driven and alumni-led Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) collective for Wichita State University student-athletes, alumni, and fans. Community members who commit their support to Wheat Shock Collective are pledging to maximize opportunities for student-athletes. In addition, community supporters gain access to exclusive events, autograph sessions, and more. Wheat Shock Collective is powered by parent company Blueprint Sports. For more information, visit wheatshockcollective.com and follow @WheatShockNIL on Facebook, X and Instagram.
ABOUT BLUEPRINT SPORTS
Founded in 2020, Blueprint Sports (BPS) powers the industry's leading name, image, and likeness (NIL) collectives for alumni, supporters, and businesses, connecting them with student-athletes at their favorite university. BPS' national portfolio of collectives supports student-athletes across the country, including Penn State University, University of Arkansas, University of Kansas, University of Maryland, University of Washington, Boston College, NC State University, Villanova University, Stanford University, Gonzaga University, University of Arizona, University of Nevada Las Vegas, University of Nevada, and more. The Blueprint Sports management team possesses over 50 years of college and professional sports experience, spanning the Pac-12 Conference, IMG, Learfield, and more. For more information, visit blueprintsports.com or its pages on Facebook, Instagram and X.
MEDIA CONTACT
Marina Bain
marina@blueprintsports.com