TicketsCINCINNATI— University of Cincinnati track and field student-athlete Korbin Spencer has found ways to utilize NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) not only to help grow his personal brand but to help others as well.
When Spencer's journey with NIL started, it was certainly exciting to see his partnerships result in material benefits. He could have left it at that, and no one would have faulted him for it, but he knew that NIL was a powerful tool that could be used for so much more. When Spencer talks about his experience with NIL and what he has gained from it, the last thing he mentions is the money he has made.
"I've grown in the way I present myself to others. I've become a better leader for my team. I've just grown personally, and I think NIL has helped me do that. It's given me a platform." Spencer said.
With Name, Image, and Likeness taking the collegiate world by storm, many student-athletes are suddenly finding themselves with a new platform that goes beyond their sport. For many, knowing what they want to do with that platform is a challenge. Spencer has quickly become a standout example of how student-athletes can use NIL to get involved in work that makes an impact on their community. His partnership with The Lindner Center of HOPE is the perfect example.
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"Their mission is to bring mental health awareness and drug abusive help to people in need. And that's very important to me, so when I was given the opportunity to work with them, I took full advantage of it." Spencer said.
Where many only think of how NIL can make money for student-athletes, Spencer has started thinking about how NIL can help him support the initiatives that have always mattered to him. "NIL has given me the opportunity to help people in need," he said.
Furthering his commitment to giving back to his community, Spencer plans to donate a large portion of his future NIL earnings to nonprofits like the Lindner Center of HOPE. He hopes to continue working closely with these types of organizations and one day start his own nonprofit for those struggling with drug abuse. His desire to use his own name, image, and likeness to support those in need speaks to his selfless character.
This past summer, Spencer was invited to the NIL Summit in Atlanta, Georgia, an experience he'll never forget.
"At the NIL summit, I learned how many opportunities there are for all student-athletes. The amount of talent there was insane. I learned how to be more comfortable talking to brands and companies, and how to market myself better. The NIL summit was amazing and I'm really glad I got the opportunity to attend." Spencer said.
In reflecting on the event, Spencer brings to light another one of the underrated benefits that NIL holds for athletes- networking.
Spencer has built an impressive portfolio of brand deals and partnerships with organizations like Currito, Allbirds, Mac Shack, Salty MF, BSB Group, Avalanche Crepes & Waffles, Altafiber, Clifton Nutrition, Medpace, Cincy Reigns, and Lindner Center of Hope. This list reflects the hard work Spencer has put in reaching out to brands, pitching himself, and building strong professional relationships. For him, putting in this type of effort brings more than deals, it brings unbeatable career development.
"NIL is an awesome tool for career exploration. With the deals that I've gotten so far, I've been able to connect with CEOs at some pretty big companies, I've gotten to shake their hand, I've gotten to know their company. So, I would say within the NIL deals I already have, I would be able to walk out of college today and get a job very easily," Spencer said.
For many college athletes, their sport might not be a part of their post-grad plans. Spencer demonstrates how NIL can be used as a tool to expose athletes to potential job opportunities as they work with national brands and organizations. What's more, it can help them find a passion outside of their sport while in college.
As he enters his senior season with the UC track and field team, Spencer plans to continue his work impacting his community, growing professionally, and inspiring others.
"I want to be an example for my younger teammates to know that NIL is for everyone. It's not just for the starting quarterback or the point guard. It's for the student-athletes who put in the work. I mean, we're all Division I athletes, so I feel like we all have the right to earn from our name, image and likeness."
As NIL continues to grow and change, Spencer and the University of Cincinnati are separating themselves from the rest by placing an emphasis on the intangible benefits of NIL. They show us that any student-athlete who works hard can use NIL to help their community and kickstart their career. They remind us to broaden our view of NIL to be more than just the big checks and fancy cars.
Spencer's career will be an exciting one to watch unfold during his senior season as a Bearcat and beyond.