BrinxTV has strengthened its partnership with Icon Source in order to build a strong presence in the world of NIL (name image, likeness). BrinxTV’s next generation of entertainment and sports programming will make this investment.
BrinxTV is the pioneering platform that John Brenkus founded. He also serves as the host/creator of ESPN Sport Science.
Chase Garrett founded Icon Source in Denver. It connects brands and professional and collegiate athletes seeking NIL marketing opportunities and endorsements.
Icon Source is the most successful platform, having helped facilitate millions of dollars in deals between its more than 15,000 athletes.
“Brands are trying to figure a way to get the most out of the athletes they partner with,” said Icon Source CEO Chase Garrett. “The NIL House and the entire BrinxTV network offer greater access and value to the rising and current stars of NIL than anywhere else. Plain and simple, BrinxTV hosts more premiere NIL programming than any other platform and they are a perfect match to help accelerate our growth.”
BrinxTV and Icon Source signed a deal to acquire sponsorships for “The NIL House”.
The combined efforts of BrinxTV and Icon Source create a company that goes beyond one program. Icon Source can actively sell brand deals to the entire BrinxTV network.
This includes shows from Hall of Famers Champ Bailey, Ray Lewis, and Marcellus Wiley. Icon Source also has a media outlet that helps to promote their brands and the respective athletes through BrinxTV.
Brenkus adds, “Icon Source has built the best platform in the world to facilitate NIL deals by cutting out unnecessary parts of the old-school endorsement process while inviting more participants to enter the space. BrinxTV’s investment into Icon Source is a clear signal to the market that the traditional flow of brand dollars in the NIL space has officially been disrupted.
The rise of athlete centered media combined with influencers is giving rise to this new phenomenon.
While the NIL industry continues to grow, so does Icon Source. The startup has closed a Series A funding round this week. Hawk Ventures, GAN Ventures, Brinx.TV and other venture capital firms, angel investors, and athletes participated in the round.
“Our platform connecting athletes and brands can now package them into a media outlet, which makes it a lot easier for brands to actually get an outcome [or ROI],” Garrett said.
