The AO Expert Network is a resource for college athletes to equip themselves with valuable NIL tools
Grand Rapids, MI (April 10, 2024) – Basepath, the leading name, image and likeness (NIL) operations software provider for collectives, universities and college athletes, has officially joined the Athletes.org (AO) network, empowering student-athletes with advocacy and education. Basepath also sponsored the AO Financial Fitness in Action (FFA) event for high school athletes amid March Madness in Phoenix, Arizona on April 5. April is National Financial Literacy Month.
All AO members have exclusive eligibility to access the Basepath Wallet app. Basepath Wallet consolidates all of the athlete’s NIL deals in one place, no matter the source, and differentiates all NIL deal income from other income. The app also provides tax predictions so the athlete knows how much they’ll need to save for end of year taxes.
The Expert Network is built into the ACCESS pillar of Athletes.org. With legal, educational, financial, technological and other valuable resources, athletes can choose companies and advisors to work with for the administrative aspects of NIL they need assistance with. Membership is free, and athletes can go to Athletes.org to join.
AO hosted FFA in partnership with the Arizona Council on Economic Education (ACEE). The event provided a simulation designed to prepare student athletes for life after high school by allowing them to actively navigate various career paths and make informed lifestyle and spending choices.
“With the resources available to students at the FFA event, in the AO Expert Network and on the Basepath Wallet app, college athletes have the opportunity to gain invaluable personal finance knowledge, setting them on the path towards a financially secure future in the NIL era,” said Athletes.org CEO Brandon Copeland.
AO is an organization that protects the interests of college athletes, providing comprehensive support and representation. Their primary functions include amplifying athlete voices, providing them with access to trusted support, and maximizing their income through group NIL deals. Athletes.org is dedicated to ensuring equitable treatment and facilitating the success of college athletes in various aspects of their careers.
“It is exciting to support an organization for college athletes whose mission is to protect athletes from the risks of NIL, as Basepath’s mission is aligned,” Basepath Co-Founder and CEO, Thomas Thomas Jr. “financial literacy is crucial for student athletes as they navigate the NIL market, and through this partnership with AO we are committed to equipping them with the skills they need to succeed.”
Copeland will be a guest speaker on an upcoming Basepath webinar discussing the best ways for university athletic departments and collectives to empower their athletes in the NIL age. Register to tune in live on Thursday May 2 at 1 p.m. Previous Basepath webinars cover topics like teaching athletes to grow their NIL income, how to start their own business and build their personal brands. Watch Basepath webinars on YouTube here.
About Athletes.org
Athletes.org is the players association dedicated to representing college athletes across various sports and conferences. AO’s core objective is to safeguard and empower college athletes by offering them invaluable support, amplifying their voices on critical issues, and facilitating opportunities to generate additional income through group licensing. The organization advocates for college athletes’ rights and empowers them beyond profits, addressing challenges in navigating legal matters, financial management, agent selection, brand development, and more. AO stands as a beacon of support and advocacy for college athletes nationwide, fostering a path towards a more just and equitable future for college athletes everywhere.
About Basepath
Basepath is the leading provider of NIL operations software for collectives, universities, agents and student-athletes. On the mobile app, Basepath Wallet helps athletes manage their NIL finances, employment income, and university grants. Collectives supported by Basepath include University of Louisville’s 502Circle Collective and Foundation, University of Colorado’s 5430 Foundation, University of Georgia’s Classic City Collective, Florida State University’s Rising Spear Collective and Ole Miss’ The Grove Collective. For more information about Basepath, reach out or follow its social media pages on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and Tik Tok.