Kendrick Perkins, the former NBA champion known for his on-court tenacity, has taken his talents to a new arena—empowering student-athletes through his financial technology platform, NILLY. Perkins, who also sits on the board of SCCG client partner BooRay, has co-founded NILLY with the mission to equip student-athletes with the tools they need to maximize their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights. NILLY’s recent announcement of a $200 million strategic partnership with Harlan Capital Partners marks a pivotal moment in the NIL era. The investment will provide up to $200 million in upfront cash payments to athletes in exchange for licensing their NIL rights, allowing NILLY to expand its offerings and grow its impact.
Launched in early 2024, NILLY is more than just a platform—it’s a lifeline for student-athletes navigating the complexities of NIL opportunities. The platform has already attracted athletes from powerhouse universities like Stanford, UCLA, and West Virginia by offering not only immediate financial benefits but also critical resources like financial education and advisory services. These athletes can focus on their education and athletic careers while knowing they are maximizing their financial potential in the NIL space.
Perkins himself understands the significance of NIL opportunities for today’s athletes, having faced financial pressures during his high school days that led him to turn pro rather than attend college. If NIL rights had been available during his era, Perkins might have had the financial flexibility to pursue both his education and basketball career. With NILLY, he aims to give today’s student-athletes the opportunities he didn’t have—opportunities that extend far beyond the court.
For student-athletes, the partnership between NILLY and Harlan Capital Partners represents a game-changing moment in collegiate sports. With a strong advocate like Kendrick Perkins leading the charge, NILLY is set to reshape how student-athletes navigate the NIL landscape, ensuring they are empowered both financially and professionally.
