
Rutgers University supporters launch the "Knights of the Raritan" NIL collective to create new opportunities for student-athletes. | Image courtesy of Knights of the Raritan.
Rutgers University student-athletes will gain new opportunities to benefit from Name, Image, and Likeness deals facilitated by a newly launched collective called “The Knights of the Raritan.”
The Knights of the Raritan is a third-party group that is not affiliated with Rutgers University. The collective intends to create numerous opportunities for Rutgers student-athletes to participate in activities such as social media promotions, autograph signings, charity events, sports camps, commercials, and NFTs. The Knights of the Raritan also aims to help athletes develop philanthropy, earn valuable life and business experience, and benefit from compensation during their college years.
The 9-person Knights of the Raritan Executive Committee is made up of passionate fans and well-known alumni. Members of the committee will receive no compensation for their efforts.
The collective’s website contains a statement about limitations on NIL deals: “Student-athletes cannot enter into deals that promote alcohol, drugs, pharmaceuticals, political advertising, pornography, gambling or betting, or other opportunities that go against Rutgers’ values. Additionally, there must be quid-pro-quo between the athlete and an individual or business.”
Rutgers student-athletes will receive 85% of the revenue generated through NIL deals that are facilitated by The Knights of the Raritan. The other portion of the revenue will pay for the collective’s expenses, which include IT, marketing, student education, and bookkeeping.
The Knights of the Raritan website contains a sign-up page where fans can commit to different levels of support in exchange for a variety of incentives.