Contact:
Nate Whited
The Brick Kitchen General Manager
319 334 0398 (cell)

University of Iowa Marching Band Musicians Ink Historical First-Ever NIL Deal

IOWA CITY, Iowa (October 17, 2023) – Iowa-Eighteen Student Musicians of the University of Iowa Hawkeye Marching Band, signed a Name-Image-Likeness (NIL) deal over the weekend. It is the first time in history members of the Hawkeye Marching Band have been compensated for use of their Name, Image or Likeness for advertising and marketing purposes.

The University students, all members of the Marching Band’s Mellophone section, signed the NIL agreement with The Brick Kitchen, an independent, family-owned kitchenware store in Independence, Iowa.

“Most people don’t realize the amount of effort Marching Band students put into their performances.” stated Shelly Whited, owner of The Brick Kitchen. “Many of these students are also trying to maintain part-time jobs , so it can be stressful. This is a great way for us to provide a little financial help and have a lot of fun while doing it. We are also excited to be the first business to ink a deal for a full instrument section with an NCAA Marching Band.”

Whited added that The Brick Kitchen intends to utilize the band members in advertising and social media campaigns. In return the students will be compensated financially and with products from The Brick Kitchens inventory.

Chen You Wu, a 4th year Hawkeye Marching Band Member said the NIL is a unique opportunity which he hopes will have further-reaching benefits. “It’s not just the student athletes who put in a lot of work to create something wonderful for the University and the community.” Wu pointed out. “I hope can be trailblazers for other students.”

Another 4th year Marching Band Member, Nick Feingold, agreed. “This could be the first step towards business both small and large investing in collegiate music across the country. Maybe one day it will be just it will be just as common for a band to get NIL deals as athletes!”

The Brick Kitchen features cookware, bakeware, kitchen cutlery, cooking tools and infused olive oils and balsamic vinegars. They opened in May of 2021 and are located inside downtown Independence’s iconic King’s Hall, a former opera house built in 1876.

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Eighteen Iowa Hawkeye Marching Band Student Musicians