Exciting New Partnership for WKU Student-Athletes in Bowling Green
Bowling Green, Ky. – In a fantastic turn of events, WKU Athletics has launched a new partnership with the well-loved Outback Steakhouse that is set to create big ripple effects in the college sports community. This groundbreaking collaboration will provide NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) opportunities for over 30 Hilltopper student-athletes, marking a significant leap forward in collegiate athlete engagement.
What makes this partnership really special? Well, it turns out this is the largest NIL engagement for Outback Steakhouse across all of college athletics. That’s right! With more than 1,000 locations operating around the globe and about 700 right here in the United States, the company is stepping up its game in supporting student-athletes.
Celebrating the Collaboration
During the official kickoff of the partnership last Friday night, a lively launch party took place at the Outback Steakhouse located at 3260 Scottsville Road. It was a night to remember as student-athletes mingled, celebrated, and, most importantly, signed their NIL contracts. Everyone was buzzing with excitement about what lies ahead.
“We are proud to partner with these outstanding athletes at Outback Bowling Green,” said Brian Kinch, the General Manager of the restaurant. This dedication to supporting WKU athletics has been a long-standing tradition, and now it’s ramping up even more with these student-athletes at the forefront.
How the Program Works
So, how will this all work moving forward? Each of the over 30 student-athletes will be compensated with weekly gift cards at various amounts in exchange for promoting the Outback location via social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. This is an amazing opportunity for these young athletes to earn while they engage with their community.
Collin Stoecker, the Assistant Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Development and NIL for WKU Athletics, stated, “This is a special moment not only for our partnership with Outback but for many of our student-athletes who are receiving a terrific NIL opportunity.” It’s heartwarming to see partnerships that prioritize the growth and support of student-athletes.
Ongoing Support for WKU Athletics
This partnership adds to an already solid relationship between Outback Steakhouse and WKU Athletics. The restaurant hasn’t just been a supporter; they’ve also been involved in radio broadcast advertisements and customer loyalty rewards through the Big Red’s Rewards app. Clearly, Outback Steakhouse is all in when it comes to supporting the WKU community.
“Outback has been a fantastic partner for several years now,” said Jennifer Starke, General Manager of Hilltopper Sports Properties. She expressed excitement about expanding their support directly to student-athletes and strengthening the ties with the Bowling Green community. That’s the spirit of teamwork, if you ask us!
A Bright Future Ahead
As this partnership unfolds, it’s clear that the collaboration between WKU Athletics and Outback Steakhouse is beneficial for everyone involved. Students get a chance to monetize their names and likenesses, while Outback Steakhouse gets to enhance its connection to the community and the Hilltopper spirit.
With the excitement buzzing around the partnership, it’s hard not to feel hopeful about the future of athletics at WKU. As they continue to climb the ranks in collegiate sports and make impressive achievements, partnerships like the one with Outback Steakhouse play a pivotal role in fostering a thriving environment for student-athletes.
As the Hilltoppers gear up for competition, it’s a great time to show support for these young athletes and celebrate the hard work and dedication they put into their sports. Cheers to exciting times ahead for both Outback Steakhouse and the WKU Hilltoppers!
