Valiant Management announces Champions Circle to support all Michigan student-athletes via NIL
When it comes to name, image, and likeness, no group associated near Michigan athletics has been as aggressive or as forward-thinking as Jared Wangler and his Valiant Management Group.
From the trading cards, to NIL events such as the pep rally before the spring game, to NFTs, Valiant has been on the forefront of supporting current Wolverines. But, that’s been mostly relegated to those in the football program. That’s about to change.
Per a release, Valiant is expanding Champions Circle, which will fundraise and support every single sport within Michigan athletics. Therefore, now every student-athlete who chooses to wear maize and blue can now benefit from NIL.
For more about the endeavor, read the release below.
Full release
Valiant Management Group (VMG), along with a prominent group of University of Michigan alumni, announced the expansion of the Champions Circle name, image and likeness (NIL) collective to support all Michigan student-athletes. Launched in 2022 with a focus on supporting the Michigan Football and Men’s Basketball programs, the Champions Circle will now fully support NIL fundraising for all of Michigan’s 29 varsity sports.
The founding ethos of the Champions Circle is to encourage University of Michigan student-athletes to excel in individual development, academic achievement, and community leadership. Consistent with the long-standing values of the Michigan Athletic Department, the program is intended to support the transformational experience of being a Michigan student-athlete rather than follow the transactional nature of many NIL programs across the country. The Champions Circle program will support a wide array of NCAA-compliant NIL activities including, but not limited to: fan interaction events; brand partnerships; merchandise and memorabilia sales; and charitable endeavors.
VMG CEO and Michigan Football alum Jared Wangler said, “We believe strongly that it is important to reward University of Michigan student-athletes for the value they bring to the university, but in keeping with Michigan traditions, it is also important to help the athletes develop the personal, leadership and financial skills to succeed far into the future.”
Anna Britnell, Director of The Champions Circle and former Michigan student-athlete, believes in the program’s mission to support student-athlete financial and personal growth. “Our coaches recruit the right student-athletes to the University of Michigan, and the Champions Circle will support their efforts by rewarding sustained educational achievement and personal development. After a successful 18 months of supporting Michigan football and basketball, we are excited to replicate this model across all varsity sports at the University of Michigan.”
The Champions Circle is guided by a Leadership Council comprised of distinguished University supporters, including Nate Forbes, Matt Lester, Navid Mahmoodzadegan, and Tim Smith. Additionally, a diverse group of loyal and trusted Wolverines serve on the Champions Circle Advisory Board, providing strategic guidance and acting as ambassadors for the program. Current members of the Advisory Board include Jimmy King, Sierra Romero, John Wangler, and Chris Wormley.
