IMG Academy, the world’s leading sports education brand, and Advance NIL (ADVANCE), a leading NIL education, athlete protection (ANSBC) and athlete development organization, have forged a unique partnership. This alliance is designed to equip IMG Academy student-athletes with the necessary education to navigate the complexities of collegiate NIL. The innovative NIL and life skills collaboration further strengthens IMG Academy’s holistic approach to education, aligning with its mission to empower student-athletes to shape their own futures.
ADVANCE, renowned for its commitment to providing unbiased life skills and NIL education for the entire NIL ecosystem, will leverage its expertise in NIL-related finance, legal, entrepreneurship, branding, and life skills to benefit IMG Academy’s student-athletes this fall. The collaboration is a testament to IMG Academy’s dedication to empowering young student-athletes and their families. It will educate them on self-protection, brand maximization, and how to champion their potential NIL financial futures.
Courtney Altemus, Managing Partner & Founder of ADVANCE, commented on the collaboration:
IMG Academy prioritizes the preparation of its student-athletes for college and beyond, and this life preparedness is the foundation of ADVANCE education and protection; our entire team at ADVANCE is excited to implement our specialized NIL and life skills programmes to complement IMG Academy’s excellent holistic student-athlete development curricula. This partnership will set a new standard for elite college preparatory and sports academies in protecting their scholar-athlete’s NIL and life skills.
The agreement includes ADVANCE Elite programming, similar to the education ADVANCE provides college athletic departments and professional sports teams, setting a remarkable precedent at the high school level nationally. IMG Academy will utilize ADVANCE’s multi-platform NIL Academy, which includes multi-day campus visits, virtual sessions, and ongoing online education modules. These programmes educate student-athletes and their families on navigating NIL effectively and building successful futures on and off the field.
Brent Richard, CEO of IMG Academy, stated:
We are thrilled to partner with Advance NIL to bring their expert guidance and innovative solutions to our student-athletes and community. This collaboration is not just about NIL; it’s about enhancing IMG Academy’s holistic approach to education and supporting the complete student-athlete development journey.
IMG Academy’s intentional and unparalleled focus on holistic personal development sets it apart from any other education brand or institution worldwide. It is the only prep school in the world with a dedicated staff of more than 100 specialists focused specifically on intentional personal development in leadership, mental performance, nutrition, communication, and sports science.
This collaborative effort not only signifies a significant milestone in high school sports but also paves the way for a new model of student-athlete development nationwide. It sets a precedent for the sports education community, demonstrating the leadership and innovation of IMG Academy and Advance NIL.