Alcorn State University competes in one of the most highly competitive conferences in Division 1 athletics. For Alcorn to remain competitive it is important that we can fairly compensate our student athletes for their Name Image and Likeness (NIL) rights. It is imperative that we pool the collective resources of the alumni and supporters of Alcorn, alumni-related and local businesses. The 1871 Collective creates a quick and convenient point of centralization for the contributions of all supporters.
The 1871 Collective enters NIL agreements with Alcorn State University student athletes. Athletes are selected by The 1871 Collective’s board, the “War Council”. The 1871 Collective utilizes the publicity rights by having the athlete engage as an influencer with posts on social media, provide appearances at events, sign memorabilia, and various other forms of engagement. Compensation may be paid in monthly installments to student-athletes that are signed long term. There may also be limited contracts for athletes to perform a specific task such as attending a ribbon cutting or providing a photo opportunity with interested youth.
No. Mississippi law requires that NIL activities providing benefits to athletes must be separate from the institution. The law does allow for communication between Alcorn State University and The 1871 Collective to facilitate interaction between The 1871 Collective and the student athlete. Additionally, The 1871 Collective intentionally engages with the athletics compliance department at Alcorn State University to ensure that we are following the rules and that the eligibility of the student athlete is not compromised.
No. The 1871 Collective is NOT a 501(c)(3) entity to which individual donations are tax deductible. Although the charitable NIL collective model has been found to be a legal and viable option in other states such as Texas, the present legal interpretation is that the charitable NIL model does not conform to Mississippi law. In the event that the law is amended, or a different interpretation emerges, The 1871 Collective will complete all due diligence in an effort to make the charitable option available to collective supporters.
No. The 1871 Collective NIL agreements will be exclusively with Alcorn State University athletes.
No. The 1871 Collective will provide opportunities to enter into NIL agreements for athletes that compete in all sports at Alcorn State University.
You can subscribe and provide a recurring monthly to a donation to the tier of your choice.
You can make a one-time donation in the amount of your choosing.
Your business can advertise with The 1871 Collective, and will be provided a visual advertisement on The 1871 Collective website linked to the supporting business. This expense can be deducted as an advertising expense. The 1871 Collective encourages you to seek the advice of your accountant or tax advisor to confirm for your business.
You can contact The 1871 Collective facilitating an agreement to utilize a specific Alcorn State University student-athlete for marketing, appearances, social media influencing, or other legitimate business purposes.
You can purchase The 1871 Collective merchandise, player-branded merchandise (when available), and participate in fan-player events.
No. The contract amounts will vary based on the marketability and potential influence of the student athlete. For example, a higher-profile athlete may receive more compensation due to wider recognition and a higher social media following than a lesser-known athlete. All NIL Agreements entered into by The 1871 Collective will be individually negotiated and agreed upon by the student athlete and The 1871 Collective. The 1871 Collective may also assist signed student athletes if they wish to enter into third-party NIL Agreements to earn additional compensation.
Between 80-90%. None of the members of the 1871 Collective accept a salary and the initial costs for establishment and legal advice were provided pro bono by gracious Alumni. The 1871 Collective will incur expenses for accounting; website maintenance and hosting; content creation; credit/debit card transactional fees; fan-player events; photography; logistics for athletes; and other routine costs associated with an NIL collective. The 1871 Collective, although required to be legally formed as a for profit entity, functions as a non-profit focused on the student athlete.