WVU Starts Mountaineer Exchange with INFLCR as Direct NIL Source

WVU is partnering with INFLCR to launch Mountaineer Exchange, a direct NIL source for West Virginia University student-athletes. Mountaineer Exchange is designed to connect student-athletes with business opportunities through name, image and likeness, per release.

“West Virginia Athletics is committed to NIL opportunities for our student-athletes, and this partnership with INFLCR provides additional avenues for them to expand their financial potential,” Deputy Athletics Director for External Affairs Matt Wells said. “We are excited for our student-athletes to take advantage of Mountaineer Exchange as it will streamline the NIL process and connect them directly with business and endorsement opportunities.”

WVU has had an NIL collective for the past two years in Country Roads Trust, which is separate from the Mountaineer Exchange.

More from WVU’s press release:

Once a business registers with Mountaineer Exchange, it is given access to a database searchable by different criteria to meet the needs of its NIL opportunity. When student-athletes, who meet the criteria are identified, the portal allows the prospective NIL sponsor to connect and work directly with the student-athlete on any potential NIL deal.

West Virginia’s NIL exchange portal will be custom-designed for businesses, donors, alumni and other interested NIL inquiries wishing to connect with Mountaineer student-athletes. Upon finalization of an NIL deal within Mountaineer Exchange, a student-athlete completes a compliance disclosure within the app. A payment processing tool in the app then completes the business transaction to the athlete with no fee involved. All payment information is reported back to WVU’s existing INFLCR compliance portal and recorded for standard 1099 and efficient one-step tax reporting.

Additional benefits of the Mountaineer Exchange platform include continued education on NIL issues, financial literacy education, brand building for the student-athletes and market research tracking social media, brand growth and engagement for both the business and student-athlete.

This expanded partnership with INFLCR maintains WVU Athletics’ efforts to maximize NIL opportunities and brand building potential for its student-athletes. While WVU Athletics and INFLCR are not directly involved in the NIL transaction, the app provides a comprehensive check point to ensure standard compliance and WVU NIL protocols are met between the student-athlete and potential business.