Home2024-09-10T20:06:41+00:00

THE THUNDER TRUST

Together, everyone wins

Support Marshall Student-Athletes

Make a monthly donation. You’ll support Marshall Athletes and gain access to events, rewards, and more. Cancel anytime. Billed monthly.

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CREATE OPPORTUNITY + CONNECTIONS FOR OUR STUDENT ATHLETES

INITIATE

Stimulate personal growth for student-athletes through rewarding business initiatives, charitable involvement, and community events.

CONNECT

Build beneficial relationships among student-athletes, community members, and businesses and secure community ties with the university.

EMPOWER

Provide student-athletes with compensation so they can support themselves, stay in school, and recap the benefits of their dedication.

CONTRIBUTE TODAY!

Support Marshall Student-Athletes

As you may have heard, the NCAA now allows student-athletes to be financially compensated for their name, image, and likeness. Not only does this provide student-athletes with new opportunities, but it also provides new opportunities for the entire community.

Through mutually beneficial partnerships, student-athletes receive compensation for their name, image, and likeness for promotional appearances in accordance with NCAA policy.

As this becomes the expectation for college athletes everywhere, The Thunder Trust aims to promote and initiate more opportunities to elevate the competitiveness of Marshall University Athletics within their conference and on the national level.

Meanwhile, our sponsors receive promotional content that is designed to be engaging and at the center of our community that is bursting with green and white pride. The Thunder Trust is committed to serving the interests of our sponsors and the student-athletes of Marshall by helping both parties build strong, supportive ties to Huntington, West Virginia and our surrounding communities.

CORPORATE PARTNERS

Thanks to contributions from our donors and corporate sponsors, we’re able to support student-athletes and ensure that Marshall University is a competitive leader for name, image, and likeness opportunities.

“The Thunder Trust and new NIL laws are going to allow immense opportunity in terms of student-athlete success, growth for the city, and unique recruiting initiatives. I’m looking forward to seeing the great things that will come out of this organization.”

Coach Bobby Pruett, Former Marshall Football Head Coach

“NIL for student athletes, not only Marshall University/ but all across the country could provide great opportunities for athletes to benefit off of their name and the talents they have been so blessed with and to benefit off of the production they have worked so hard to achieve on the field. It could also be a powerful recruiting tool for the University to attract great athletes to want a part of all the amazing things happening at Marshall!”

Alex Mollette, Current Indianapolis Colts OL + Marshall Football Alumni

“It’s tough to have a consistent job in college and handle the demands of being a student-athlete. I remember not even being allowed to advertise that I was giving lessons. I am excited for the athletes now who can use their name to market themselves. They deserve opportunities to benefit from their hard work and success.”

Morgan Zerkle, Current Professional Softball Player + Marshall Alumna

“The changing of the NIL rules are monumental for student athletes because it allows them to capitalize on their talents on and off of the field.”

Will Ulmer, Current Musician + Former Marshall OL

FAQs

What is NIL?2023-02-24T21:19:44+00:00

Under NCAA rules, Student-Athletes are allowed to receive compensation for the use of their name, image, and likeness (NIL). This can include physical merchandise such as autographs, photos, T-shirts, and hats, as well as digital merchandise such as live streams, virtual press conferences, social media posts, virtual meet-and-greet events, NFTs, and personal content posting. It also includes experiences such as VIP events, camps, lessons, and personal appearances.

What type of NIL opportunities exist for student-athletes, and how are they are decided?2024-07-22T20:20:58+00:00

The Thunder Trust, in partnership with Athlete Advantage, creates experiences and connections between Marshall University Athletes, Thundering Herd fans, and businesses. Utilizing their NIL, student-athletes are paid to make media appearances, autograph items, attend events, endorse products, post social media messages, and more.

Athlete Advantage works with student-athletes who have indicated they want to take advantage of NIL opportunities. Athlete Advantage has pioneered some of the most notable NIL deals. Athlete Advantage is the preeminent NIL partner for student-athletes at Marshall University.

Is the Athlete Advantage Fund affiliated with Marshall University?2024-05-14T14:50:37+00:00

No, we are not affiliated with Marshall University. However, we work closely with the athletic department to ensure that our deals with student-athletes fully comply with Athlete Advantage and NCAA NIL policies and guidelines.

Are membership funds tax deductible?2023-02-24T21:23:55+00:00

If you operate a business, consult a tax professional for any potential tax advantages related to NIL and advertising.

I’d like to create a NIL deal for a player representing my business. Can you do that?2023-02-24T21:22:19+00:00

Yes. We have the framework to facilitate these types of opportunities for businesses. We can help with the creative media, and all agreements have been reviewed by legal counsel to ensure compliance with NIL laws. Contact us for more information.

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