Texas One Fund Partners With WME Sports For Future Longhorns NIL Collaboration

The Texas Longhorns' top NIL fund has struck a deal with WME Sports for future NIL endeavors.

Texas One, the top Texas brand for name, image, and likeness opportunities, has partnered with WME Sports, which is expected to expand future NIL opportunities for all Longhorn student-athletes.

“The combination of WME Sports’ industry-leading expertise in the space, the scale of the greater Endeavor portfolio which includes IMG and 160over90, and the attraction of the iconic Longhorns collegiate athletic program, makes for an undeniably compelling offering for student-athletes in Austin,” Mark Shapiro, President and Chief Operating Officer of Endeavor – the parent company of WME said in the statement following the agreement.

WME Sports is one of the top brands in athlete representation, sports media consulting and property solutions. Earlier this season, WME Sports struck a deal with Golden Touch, a Notre Dame NIL initiative, to give the program a competitive balance in landing players despite being an Independent.

Oklahoma State Cowboys defensive end Collin Oliver (30) puts pressure on Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) during a college football game between the Oklahoma State Cowboys (OSU) and the University of Texas :: BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN-USA TODAY NETWORK

According to WME, engagement from both sides should elevate and expand Texas One Fund’s ability to offer stronger NIL deals for all Longhorns student-athletes. WME also plans to have a sales team based in Austin working alongside Texas One Fund ​​​to support its mission of providing substantial opportunities for student-athletes who plan to enter the Forty Acres for school.

“The partnership between the Texas One Fund and WME Sports brings together two powerhouses, providing a unique advantage to our enrolled student-athletes,” Longhorns’ athletic director Chris Del Conte said in a news release. “Our student-athletes are best in class, and this partnership will supercharge NIL opportunities available to them.”

Patrick Smith, President of Texas One, also said the partnership with WME Sports would be a blessing for all parties involved in further expanding chances for Longhorns student-athletes.

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“With the city of Austin, the state of Texas, and now adding WME Sports to our team, the sky’s the limit for corporate NIL opportunities for Texas athletes,” Smith said in a statement.

The No. 3 Longhorns face off against No. 2 Washington in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans on Jan. 1, 2024. The winner will advance to the national championship in Houston to face the winner of No. 1 Michigan and No. 4 Alabama on Jan. 8, 2024.