What is the Brand Squad?

Background

The OSU Brand Squad is a student-led initiative within the Spears School of Business at Oklahoma State University that supports student-athletes in navigating Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). Members work directly with athletes to help develop their personal brands through social media strategy, content creation, and partnership opportunities. Through hands-on experience, Brand Squad members help athletes grow their presence and explore opportunities within the evolving NIL landscape.

The organization also provides business students with real-world experience in marketing, branding, and athlete representation. By working closely with student-athletes, Brand Squad members gain practical skills while helping athletes maximize their opportunities both during and after their collegiate careers.

Training

Brand Squad members complete specialized training focused on personal branding, marketing, and NIL strategy before working with student-athletes. Through this training, members learn how to evaluate an athlete’s brand, develop branding strategies, and support athletes in building their audience and pursuing partnership opportunities.

This training prepares students to work professionally with athletes while gaining valuable experience that can be applied to careers in sports marketing, branding, and business.

Purpose

Support from this fund helps provide resources that allow the Brand Squad to continue educating students and supporting athletes. Donations help fund training opportunities, programming, and organizational resources that strengthen the experience for both Brand Squad members and the student-athletes they support.

With continued support from donors and the Cowboy community, the OSU Brand Squad can expand opportunities for both students and student-athletes while continuing to grow as a leading student-led NIL initiative.