NIL group to have close partnership with UNL under Troy Dannen

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Nebraska’s new athletic director has pledged to work closely with the 1890 Initiative to provide student-athletes with opportunities to profit off their name, image and likeness.

It’s been nearly three years since NIL became legal for college athletes.

Collectives like the 1890 Initiative were formed in Lincoln to help those athletes build relationships and make money in their communities.

Troy Dannen has been the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s athletic director for a week.

But he has already been discussing how to move NIL forward with Matt Davison, the president of 1890.

“In our early talks, it sounds like we’re going to have a great partnership,” Davison said. “And we’re really excited about it moving forward.”

Several Huskers benefit from NIL, including volleyball’s Lexi Rodriguez and future quarterback Dylan Raiola.

Dannen said UNL will have a better chance at bringing in high-profile athletes with NIL partnerships on the table.

“If we’re going to compete, if we’re going to recruit and retain, everybody in this department has to support what lies ahead for student-athletes to be a part of the economic model of this,” he said.

Davison said NIL has become a deciding factor for some prospective athletes.

And he thinks Dannen’s experience will bring a unique perspective to Nebraska.

“I’m anxious to see Troy Dannen’s ideas and the things that he brings to the table,” Davison said. “We’re looking to grow; we’re always looking for new ideas.”