Lang
12/25/22
The Name Image and Likeness (NIL) group formed to raise money for University of Iowa student-athletes is finding resistance from an unexpected source: the university itself.
Pat Harty from Hawkfanatic.com reports the group…known as “The Iowa Swarm Collective”…had asked the UI Athletic Department for contact information for season ticket holders so it could solicit donations. But Swarm CEO Brad Heinrichs told Harty university officials declined the request unless they were assured all Title IX requirements would be met. That would mean distributing the money equally between men’s and women’s programs. That would create an issue with Iowa Swarm donors who have designated their money to a specific sport.
Heinrichs noted The Iowa Swarm is not affiliated with the university, and therefore is not beholden to Title IX guidelines. He says he’s asked the athletic department itself to contact season ticket holders about his organization, but they have yet to do so.
UI officials also denied the Swarm Collective’s request to set up an information table at the Hawkeye Huddle before the Music City Bowl in Nashville. That game kicks of Saturday at 11am on ABC.
Heinrichs noted he has spoken with NIL groups for other schools and they have not had similar issues. He suggested other Hawkeye sports looking to raise funds could encourage the creation of collectives of their own.
You can find the full story at Hawkfanatic.com. Harty will discuss the situation further Monday morning at 9 on the Hawkfantic.com segment right here on The Mighty 1630 KCJJ.