Empowering Athletes with NIL – The Magic Cleats Story

In this episode of The Brand Blueprint Podcast, Dana Ammons sits down with Greg Glynn, founder of Pliable Marketing, a company leading the charge in athlete branding and marketing, particularly in the realm of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness). Greg shares his expertise on how athletes can successfully leverage their NIL opportunities, not just to profit, but to create lasting impact.

What is NIL and Why Does It Matter?

The legalization of NIL in 2021 has been a game-changer for college athletes. No longer confined to scholarships alone, athletes now have the ability to profit from their name, image, and likeness. While many athletes have used their NIL deals to secure big-ticket items, Greg Glynn advocates for using this newfound power for something much more meaningful. This episode provides insight into how NIL has revolutionized the college sports landscape, and how it can be a tool for creating positive change.

The Magic Cleats – A Story of Impact and Giving Back

In the spotlight of this episode is The Magic Cleats, a children’s book co-authored by Greg and his daughter Kelsey. The book tells the inspiring story of two college athletes, Hannah Mann and Emma Eubank, who used their NIL earnings to support childhood cancer research. Rather than spending their NIL money on material possessions, they auctioned off custom-designed cleats to raise funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

This heartwarming story exemplifies how athletes can use their platform to make a difference. It’s a perfect example of NIL at its best—showing how athletes can combine their passions, their brand, and their platform to drive social good.

The Three Ps of Athlete Branding: Passion, Personality, and Potential

Greg’s approach to branding is centered on what he calls the three Ps: Passion, Personality, and Potential. These three elements are the foundation of a successful personal brand. Passion fuels everything an athlete does, Personality connects them with their audience, and Potential focuses on the long-term value and vision of the athlete’s career.

Greg explains that NIL isn’t just about short-term profits, but about building a sustainable and impactful brand. These three Ps guide athletes to create something lasting, authentic, and impactful.

The Future of NIL and Athlete Branding

Looking ahead, Greg predicts that NIL will continue to evolve. The landscape is expanding, and as more opportunities emerge, it’s essential for athletes to not only understand the power of their brand but also how to use it wisely. Greg stresses that building an athlete brand starts early and requires careful consideration of how the athlete wants to be perceived.

As NIL becomes an even bigger part of the sports world, athletes who start focusing on their brand and values now will set themselves up for success in the long run.