The Memphis Tigers have secured a substantial financial boost from FedEx through a new Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) program. With the recent legalization allowing college athletes to capitalize on their own brand, smaller programs like Memphis have had to innovate to compete with larger universities’ resources.
FedEx, based in Memphis, has pledged $5 million annually for the next five years to support University of Memphis student-athletes participating in NIL activities, particularly in football, men’s and women’s basketball, and additional women’s sports. Brian Philips, FedEx’s EVP & CMO, stated that the decision reflects their commitment to empowering young athletes and strengthening ties with the community.
The initiative kicked off during Memphis’ spring game with a pre-game tailgate event. Laird Veatch, the University of Memphis’s vice president and director of Intercollegiate Athletics, expressed gratitude for FedEx’s leadership and emphasized the importance of corporate support in shaping the future of college athletics. He believes this groundbreaking commitment will encourage others to invest in student-athletes and rally support for their mission.
