NEW ORLEANS— Tulane University Athletics and the Tulane Center for Sport announced the creation of Wave Brand Works, a cross-departmental program that will create and oversee Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) programming for Tulane's student-athletes. 

The partnership between the Center for Sport and Tulane Athletics will provide Tulane student-athletes with a comprehensive educational program to help equip each individual with the knowledge and expertise to maximize their NIL opportunities in a way that is compliant with NCAA legislation, as well as with federal and state laws. The Center will also partner with Tulane Athletics on a series of educational programs to enhance student-athlete welfare, including issues related to racial equality, social justice, anti-bullying, mental health and sexual and domestic assault.

"We have a responsibility to our 350-plus student-athletes to educate them on Name, Image and Likeness and to provide them with whatever support is permissible by legislation," said Ben Weiner Director of Athletics Troy Dannen. "Wave Brand Works is a comprehensive and innovative program that will benefit our student-athletes during the years on campus and long after in their professional careers. We are proud to partner with the Center for Sport and take advantage of the incredible resources that its leadership, our campus and our city have to offer."

"We are excited to partner with Tulane Athletics to provide customized education, support, and training that harnesses all of Tulane's academic resources to assist our college athletes as they navigate the opportunities and challenges that will arise as their NIL rights expand," said Gabe Feldman, co-founder and co-director of the Tulane Center for Sport and one of the nation's leading voices in sports law and NIL legislation. "This is an important moment in college sports and we look forward to providing our college athletes with the foundation they need to use their NIL in an effective way for success during their time at Tulane and beyond."

The new NCAA NIL legislation is scheduled to be enacted in January 2021 and take effect for the start of the 2021-2022 academic year. Wave Brand Works programming will begin in the Fall of 2020 and be available to all current Tulane student-athletes in the university's 17 intercollegiate sport programs. 

Student-athletes who participate in Wave Brand Works will gain hands-on, real world education and experience in five key areas: 

Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) Education: Educate Tulane student-athletes on the rules, regulations and details of the new NCAA legislation, conference and university rules, as well as applicable federal and state laws, to help them understand their rights and responsibilities and to ensure compliance with the various regulations.

• Brand Management and Growth: Educate Tulane student-athletes on the mechanisms and techniques needed to increase the value of their NIL and social media activities through positive brandassociations, images and a strong awareness of their personal brand and identity.
• Entrepreneurship: Educate Tulane student-athletes on the assets needed to become their own personal small businesses including marketing plans, financial literacy, licensing and key facets of running a successful business. 
• Agent and Marketing Advisor Education: Educate Tulane student-athletes on the agent/marketing advisor relationship, key partners in the industry, contract negotiations and rules education.
• Health and Wellness: Educate Tulane student-athletes on issues surrounding mental and physical health, personal and career transition, racial equality, social justice, anti-bullying, and sexual and domestic violence.

"The importance of self-health and well-being cannot be overemphasized in the overall development of the student-athlete" stated Gregory W. Stewart, MD, co-founder and co-director of the Tulane Center for Sport. "Only with this solid core can an individual truly develop a personal brand."
 
Wave Brand Works programming will be created through a collaboration with the Tulane Center for Sport, Tulane University Athletics, various academic departments across campus, and external leaders and experts in the industry. The programming will capitalize on Tulane's location in the heart of New Orleans, a premier sports and entertainment destination that has hosted dozens of the biggest sporting events in the country and which provides unparalleled opportunities for our student-athletes.

Programming will include:

• In-Person and Online Education: Student-athletes will have access to state-of-the-art education on campus and a library of resources available online.
• Speaker Panels: Partner with industry leaders, local sports organizations, former student-athletes, social influencers, marketing advisors and campus faculty to provide educational speaker events.
• Expert Advisor Sessions: Provide individualized and group educational opportunities with Tulane experts.