HEYDUDE Signs NIL Roster of Basketball Stars
Ahead of March Madness, shoe brand HEYDUDE has expanded their NIL footprint in a big way.
In partnership with five powerhouse universities - Duke, Kentucky, Miami, North Carolina and Texas A&M - HEYDUDE will release a new officially licensed Collegiate Collection through licensing agents CLC and Fanatics Licensing Management.
Previously seen during football season and on the feet of such stars at Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels of LSU, Quinn Ewers of Texas and Jordan Travis of Florida State, HEYDUDE has now signed a roster of men's and women's basketball and baseball stars - including ACC rivals Kyle Filipowski of No. 8 Duke and Armando Bacot of No. 10 North Carolina - to promote the brand's Wally and Wendy silhouettes.
“I’m super proud to play for Duke so I love any chance I get to support the team on and off the court," Filipowski shared with Sports Illustrated. "With HEYDUDE’s Collegiate Collection they give me and college fans around the country, another way to show their school colors and support their team.”
HEYDUDE's new roster of NIL athletes will act as brand ambassadors rocking their schools’ colors in content with additional athletes added throughout the rest of the season.
“It’s important because North Carolina has done so much for me, and I always want to show love and appreciation," Bacot said. "I love the HEYDUDE shoes and it’s the perfect way to rep UNC when I’m off the court and relaxing.”
HEYDUDE's new NIL partners include:
- Duke University: Kyle Filipowski, Emma Koabel
- University of Kentucky: Antonio Reeves, Maddie Scherr, Eniya Russell
- University of Miami: Nijel Pack, Ja’Leah Williams
- University of North Carolina: Armando Bacot, Alyssa Ustby
- Texas A&M University: Endyia Rogers, Brady Sullivan, Jason Bodin, Caden Sorrell, Travis Chesnut, Jett Johnston
“HEYDUDE is both insanely comfortable and lightweight," added Filipowski. So I can throw them in my basketball bag when I’m constantly on the go to class, practice, and games.”
Postgame was HEYDUDE's NIL agency of record that coordinated this campaign, bringing together all of the athletes, product and videographers.
"Postgame is excited to help HEYDUDE with the launch this second wave of collegiate shoes," said Postgame Co-Founder, Bill Jula. "Is there a better way to get fans excited about their favorite teams' shoe than to see their favorite athletes promoting them? The timing of the shoe drop with many of these schools is perfect with March Madness just around the corner."
HEYDUDE's new Collegiate Collection launches today at https://www.heydude.com/collections/collegiate-collection.
