JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – A new, local non-profit founded by Brian Lunde will help University of Jamestown men’s basketball players monetize their brands and capitalize on name, image, and likeness (NIL).

In a unanimous U.S. Supreme Court decision (NCAA v. Alston 2021), the court ruled that student-athletes could start earning money in exchange for promoting charitable causes and endorsing commercial products and services.

“Student-athletes can now connect with supporters in the community to procure ‘NIL deals’ that mutually benefit the athletes and the supporters,” Lunde says.

In a release, Lunde says the non-profit will help promote charitable causes and community service organizations and procure commercial NIL Deals.

“The Knight Club will connect the student-athletes with charitable and community service organizations who desire the athlete’s assistance in promoting their cause through personal appearances, social media promotions, advertising or other agreed upon activities,” Lunde says. “The Knight Club, rather than the charity or civic organization, will compensate each player equally who participates in the program. As a ‘community-serving NIL collective,’ The Knight Club is committed to each student-athlete’s personal growth through civic and charitable involvement.”

All administrative fees and legal expenses involved in negotiating and procuring a NIL contract between an athlete and a business will be paid by The Knight Club. The athletes will keep 100% of the compensation from a business if they use this non-profit organization to facilitate a NIL commercial agreement.

The non-profit will be represented by Ottmar and Ottmar to ensure that the organization remains compliant with all NIL rules and regulations developed by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).

“The Knight Club is committed to investing in our University of Jamestown student-athletes,” Lunde added. “It is dedicated to helping them become better citizens and better people long after their collegiate playing careers are over.”

Donations can be made to help fund the non-profit. Founding Members who donate a minimum of $1,000 per year will also be able to develop tailored NIL programs with players who are formally affiliated with and receiving compensation from the organization.

For more information, contact Brian Lunde at tkc.theknightclub@gmail.com.