Southwestern University’s Department of Intercollegiate Athletics has announced an exclusive three-year partnership with Non-Fungible Token (NFT) platform and marketplace Legacy League that will allow Pirate fans to support and engage with Pirate Athletics through officially licensed digital collectibles.

Southwestern is the first DIII institution to announce a partnership with an NFT platform. This collaboration positions the University as an innovator in name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities amid the evolving digital landscape.

“We are excited to partner with Legacy League on this opportunity for fans and alumni to buy, collect, and sell digital memorabilia,” said Athletic Director Glenn Schwab. “This groundbreaking partnership provides valuable opportunities for Pirate Athletics while offering fans and alumni new and meaningful ways to connect with us.” 

It also provides a competitive and financial advantage for Southwestern, as well as unique experiences for avid Pirate fans.

“Our mission is to maximize revenue opportunities for both Universities and college athletes. Legacy League enables college athletic departments to generate new revenue streams and enhance fan engagement using Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs). We look forward to helping Southwestern unlock incremental earnings from idle assets such as trophies, banners, photos, and championship rings. If you can dream it, Legacy League can monetize it,” said Kurt Hallead, cofounder and director of business development at Legacy League. “Southwestern’s NFTs will actively engage alumni and fans over multiple generations. These digital collectibles will provide new and long-term revenue streams for the athletic department across all sports, sporting events, ceremonies, and development efforts.”

Southwestern and Legacy League have developed and will launch their first NFT in 2022, a 3D replica of the 2016 SCAC Football Championship ring. Additional NFTs are scheduled to launch over the term of the partnership. 

About Legacy League

Legacy League is the premier NFT creation platform and integrated marketplace for college athletes, universities, alumni, and sports fans. The company’s game-changing AI-based NFT creation and valuation technology fundamentally changes the digital NIL landscape, allowing more college athletes and universities to participate and keep more earnings. Supported by a team of college sports enthusiasts, digital artists, and blockchain technology experts, Legacy League is committed to delivering an equal opportunity for college athletes in every sport and at all schools to monetize their brand.