Iowa Athletics, Learfield Expand NIL Program to Drive Continued Growth

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- Iowa Athletics and Learfield announced on Wednesday an expansion of their Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) efforts through the creation of three new on-campus leadership positions dedicated to supporting student-athletes and brand partners. The surge in NIL opportunities for Hawkeye student-athletes has created the need for additional resources and strategic leadership.

This expansion builds on the momentum Iowa Athletics and Learfield established this summer, when initial NIL initiatives began driving new opportunities for Hawkeye student-athletes. Today’s announcement represents the next phase of that growth—adding dedicated leadership roles and enhanced resources to strengthen the program and deliver even greater impact.

The newly established Learfield Impact NIL positions—Senior NIL Partnership Solutions Coordinator, Corporate Partnership Coordinator, and Learfield Studios Supervising Producer—will complement the work of Learfield’s Hawkeye Sports Properties team and reinforce Iowa’s commitment to building best-in-class NIL programs and partnerships.

Departmental leadership for these efforts will be provided by Matt Henderson, Deputy Director of Athletics, External Relations, and Scott Brickman, Associate Athletics Director, Strategy and Revenue Generation – NIL.

Brendan Miller, a University of Iowa graduate, has been hired as the Senior NIL Partnership Solutions Coordinator. In this role, Miller will lead NIL strategy, oversee partnership execution, and serve as a liaison between student-athletes, the athletic department, and corporate partners to ensure activations align with compliance standards and deliver measurable results. Two additional roles—the Corporate Partnership Coordinator and Supervising Producer—will soon join the Hawkeye Sports Properties team to expand brand collaborations, drive creative campaigns, and manage storytelling opportunities for Hawkeye student-athletes.

“It’s incredibly exciting to return to my alma mater and contribute to a program that has meant so much to me,” said Miller. “Being part of this next phase of NIL growth allows me to help our student-athletes build their brands and create meaningful partnerships that enhance the Hawkeye experience.”

The addition of dedicated NIL leadership positions will enhance marketing efforts by combining Learfield Impact NIL services with expanded resources for brand development, strategic content creation, and customized NIL solutions. Iowa Athletics will also leverage Learfield’s Compass NIL technology to facilitate deal transactions and gain insights into student-athlete interests, fostering authentic brand connections.

“What is most exciting about Iowa’s approach to NIL is how it combines strategic leadership with hands-on support for student-athletes,” said Solly Fulp, Executive Vice President of NIL Growth & Development at Learfield. “These dedicated leadership roles aren’t just about managing deals—they’re about empowering Hawkeyes to explore their personal brand potential, connect with partners in authentic ways, and gain real-world skills that extend far beyond the playing field.”

Building on Iowa’s growing NIL momentum, the Hawkeyes have partnered with national and local brands—including Pancheros Mexican Grill, Iowa Health and Human Services, Club Carwash, Iowa Corn Growers Association, MidWestOne Bank and many more—to create storytelling campaigns and social content that connect brands directly with Hawkeye fans. By continuing to invest in on-campus NIL leadership and resources, Iowa is accelerating its program and cementing its place as a leader in the NIL space.