WHAT We DOTHE THUNDER TRUST
As you may have heard, the NCAA now allows student-athletes to be financially compensated for their name, image, and likeness. Not only does this provide student-athletes with new opportunities, but it also provides new opportunities for the entire community.
The Thunder Trust is a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting student-athletes with brands, businesses, and non-profit organizations in order to create successful partnerships in our community.
Through mutually beneficial partnerships, student-athletes receive compensation for their name, image, and likeness for promotional appearances in accordance with NCAA policy.
As this becomes the expectation for college athletes everywhere, The Thunder Trust aims to promote and initiate more opportunities to elevate the competitiveness of Marshall University Athletics within their conference and on the national level.
Meanwhile, our sponsors receive promotional content that is designed to be engaging and at the center of our community that is bursting with green and white pride. The Thunder Trust is committed to serving the interests of our sponsors and the student-athletes of Marshall by helping both parties build strong, supportive ties to Huntington, West Virginia and our surrounding communities.
Together, everyone wins.
Our Mission?Create Opportunity + Connections for Our Student Athletes.
INITIATE
Stimulate personal growth for student-athletes through rewarding business initiatives, charitable involvement, and community events.
CONNECT
Build beneficial relationships among student-athletes, community members, and businesses and secure community ties with the university.
EMPOWER
Provide student-athletes with compensation so they can support themselves, stay in school, and reap the benefits of their dedication.
Testimonials
CorporatePartners
Thanks to contributions from our donors and corporate sponsors, we’re able to support student-athletes and ensure that Marshall University is a competitive leader for name, image, and likeness opportunities.
Make a DonationSupport our Athletes
The Thunder Trust is an NIL collective that directly impacts student quality of life of our student athletes.
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In NCAA v. Alston (2021), the Supreme Court unanimously decided to uphold a ruling that struck down NCAA limits on education-related compensation for student-athletes from independent entities not affiliated with the NCAA or any university. As a result, new rules allow student-athletes to receive financial compensation for their name, image, and likeness (NIL) ushering in a new era for college athletics.
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Yes, please add a message in the form to specify the sport you’d like to make the donation to.
What’s NIL?Playing Fair
In NCAA v. Alston (2021), the Supreme Court unanimously decided to uphold a ruling that struck down NCAA limits on education-related compensation for student-athletes from independent entities not affiliated with the NCAA or any university. As a result, new rules allow student-athletes to receive financial compensation for their name, image, and likeness (NIL) ushering in a new era for college athletics. Although not officially affiliated with Marshall University, The Thunder Trust follows all university compliance and licensing rules to protect student-athletes and ensure compliance with current NCAA and NIL policies and guidelines.
We’re committed to keeping Marshall competitive.
When the rules changed, the expectations changed. We give student-athletes the opportunities they deserve.
Did you know?
Statistics show that 86% of full-ride scholarship athletes living off campus lived below the federal poverty line in 2011. For full-ride scholarship players living on campus, the percentage below the poverty line was 85%. As the cost of living rises, student-athletes face hard decisions. Fortunately, new NIL rules provide a better option that finally allows student-athletes a source of secure income. The Thunder Trust is a nonprofit dedicated to helping student-athletes earn extra income so that they don’t have to choose between dropping out or living in poverty. Now, student-athletes have a way to support themselves financially as they advance their education and compete in athletics through NIL collaborations with The Thunder Trust.
The Age of the Influencers
In the age of influencer culture, student-athletes are ready and finally able to leverage their fan-base through social media, local events, and other marketing opportunities. They also have the power to raise awareness and promote engagement for good– and that’s where The Thunder Trust comes in. We partner with community businesses and organizations to help cultivate a culture of student-athletes who use their influence for good.