NILLY Company Profile

Background

Overview

NILLY, established in 2023, is a financial technology platform co-founded by NBA champion Kendrick Perkins and Chris Ricciardi. The company is dedicated to enabling, empowering, and enriching student-athletes by providing them with immediate access to their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) earning potential. By offering upfront license payments in exchange for a share of future NIL earnings, NILLY aims to alleviate financial pressures on athletes and their families, allowing them to focus on their academic and athletic pursuits.

Mission and Vision

NILLY's mission is to provide student-athletes with the financial resources and education necessary to maximize their NIL opportunities. The company's vision is to create a supportive ecosystem where athletes can thrive both on and off the field, leveraging their personal brands for long-term success.

Industry Significance

In the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics, NILLY addresses the critical need for structured financial support and education for student-athletes. By bridging the gap between athletes and investors, NILLY plays a pivotal role in the burgeoning NIL industry, offering innovative solutions that benefit all stakeholders involved.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Immediate Financial Support: Provide student-athletes with upfront payments to capitalize on their NIL rights without delay.

• Financial Education: Equip athletes with the knowledge and tools to make informed financial decisions.

• Investor Engagement: Offer accredited investors unique opportunities to invest in NIL rights, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship between athletes and the investment community.

Areas of Specialization

• NIL Licensing Agreements: Crafting tailored agreements that align with the individual needs and potential of each athlete.

• Financial Literacy Programs: Developing comprehensive educational resources to enhance athletes' understanding of personal finance.

Key Technologies Utilized

• Financial Modeling Tools: Utilizing advanced algorithms to assess and project athletes' earning potentials.

• Contract Management Software: Implementing platforms like Basepath to streamline the management of NIL contracts.

Primary Markets Targeted

• Collegiate Athletes: Focusing on NCAA Division I football and basketball players, with plans to expand into other sports.

• Accredited Investors: Engaging investors interested in diversifying their portfolios through NIL opportunities.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

In September 2024, NILLY secured a strategic partnership with Harlan Capital Partners, which committed up to $200 million to support the platform's initiatives.

Utilization of Capital

The capital infusion is earmarked for:

• Athlete Payments: Providing upfront license payments to a broader range of student-athletes.

• Platform Development: Enhancing technological infrastructure to improve user experience and operational efficiency.

• Educational Resources: Expanding financial literacy programs to better serve athletes' needs.

Pipeline Development

Key Initiatives

• Athlete Onboarding: As of late 2024, NILLY has signed contracts with 20 athletes across football and men's basketball.

• Investor Engagement: Launching managed account strategies for accredited investors to participate in NIL income streams.

Timelines

• 2024: Initial athlete signings and investor onboarding.

• 2025: Expansion into additional sports and scaling of platform capabilities.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

• NIL Valuation Models: Developed algorithms to assess and project athletes' NIL earning potentials.

Scientific Methodologies

• Financial Education Programs: Collaborations with organizations like GradReady to provide comprehensive financial literacy training.

Leadership Team

Kendrick Perkins – Co-Founder and Brand Ambassador

A former NBA champion with a 15-year career, Perkins co-founded NILLY to support student-athletes in navigating the NIL landscape.

Chris Ricciardi – Co-Founder and CEO

With a background in financial services, Ricciardi leads NILLY's strategic direction and operations.

Leadership Changes

As of May 2025, there have been no significant changes or appointments within NILLY's leadership team.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The NIL industry has experienced rapid growth since the NCAA's policy change in 2021, allowing student-athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness. This shift has led to the emergence of various platforms aiming to facilitate NIL deals, creating a competitive and evolving market landscape.

Competitor Analysis

• Opendorse: A marketplace connecting athletes with brands for endorsement deals.

• INFLCR: Provides tools for athletes to build and monetize their personal brands.

• MarketPryce: Offers a platform for athletes to connect with companies for sponsorship opportunities.

These competitors primarily focus on facilitating direct brand-athlete partnerships, whereas NILLY differentiates itself by offering upfront payments and investor engagement opportunities.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Harlan Capital Partners

A strategic partnership providing up to $200 million to support NILLY's initiatives.

GradReady

Collaborates with NILLY to offer financial literacy programs to athletes.

Basepath

Provides contract management solutions to streamline NIL agreements.

Operational Insights

Strategic Considerations

• Market Position: NILLY's unique model of providing upfront payments positions it distinctively in the NIL marketplace.

• Competitive Advantages: The integration of financial education and investor engagement offers a comprehensive solution for athletes and investors alike.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Expansion Plans

• Sport Diversification: Extending services to athletes in sports beyond football and basketball.

• Technological Enhancements: Investing in platform development to improve scalability and user experience.

Future Objectives

• Athlete Empowerment: Continuing to provide resources that enable athletes to maximize their NIL potential.

• Investor Relations: Strengthening partnerships with investors to ensure sustainable growth and mutual benefit.

Contact Information

• Website: www.nilly.us

• Athlete Portal: athlete.nilly.us

• Investor Portal: investor.nilly.us

• Social Media:

• Twitter: twitter.com/nilly

• Instagram: instagram.com/nilly

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/nilly

NILLY continues to innovate within the NIL space, striving to provide student-athletes with the financial tools and education necessary for success in their collegiate and professional careers.