AUSTIN, TX (December 12, 2023) - The Texas One Fund, an organization supporting NIL opportunities for The University of Texas student-athletes, today announced a partnership with WME Sports, a leader in athlete representation, sports media consulting and property solutions. The engagement is designed to uplift and expand One Fund's ability to provide opportunities for NIL deals to all University of Texas athletes by tapping into the agency's strong brand relationships and industry expertise.
As a key component of the partnership, WME Sports will have a sales team based in Austin working hand-in-hand with the One Fund ​​and supporting its mission of empowering UT student athletes.
"The partnership between the Texas One Fund and WME Sports brings together two powerhouses, providing a unique advantage to our enrolled student-athletes," stated Chris Del Conte, Athletic Director at The University of Texas. "Our student-athletes are best in class, and this partnership will supercharge the opportunities available to them."Â
"This will be a best in class partnership," said Mark Shapiro, President and COO of Endeavor. "The combination of WME Sports' industry leading expertise in the space, the scale of the greater Endeavor portfolio which includes IMG and 160over90, and the attraction of the iconic Longhorns collegiate athletic program, makes for an undeniably compelling offering for student athletes in Austin."
The Texas One Fund was created to support NIL opportunities for The University of Texas student-athletes, partnering them with local non-profits as well as with businesses for corporate opportunities.Â
"We are thrilled to partner with WME Sports in providing opportunities for the student-athletes we serve at The University of Texas," said Patrick "Wheels" Smith, President of Texas One Fund. "With the city of Austin, the state of Texas, and now adding WME Sports to our team, the sky's the limit for corporate NIL opportunities for Texas athletes."
WME Sports acts as an advisor developing strategies for leading brands and properties throughout collegiate sports and has built NIL businesses for a wide range of student-athletes across multiple sports.
About WME
WME is a leading entertainment agency representing the world's greatest artists, content creators and talent across books, digital media, fashion, film, food, music, sports, television and theater. Named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies, WME is a subsidiary of Endeavor, a global sports and entertainment company.
About Texas One Fund
The Texas One Fund is the premier NIL collective providing opportunities for student athletes at Texas. Texas One Fund, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization created to connect student-athletes to utilize their NIL to promote local nonprofits. TX 1 Fund, LLC is the corporate extension of the Texas One Fund, and collaborates with businesses to provide corporate opportunities for Texas athletes.
About 160/90
160over90, part of the Endeavor network, is an award-winning cultural marketing agency that elevates brands by creating ideas for the world to obsess over and shared moments where people feel something real. With 800+ thinkers, doers, and makers across every cultural corner of the globe, the agency offers a full-service, channel-agnostic approach and a deep connection to the people, places, and properties that drive the conversation of tomorrow. Turning fans into fanatics for companies of all sizes, 160over90 works with leading brands including AB InBev, Audi, DP World, Marriott International, USAA, and Visa.
