Dear Wildcat Family,
 

Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) has been one of the biggest enhancements to the student-athlete experience in the changing landscape of college athletics. I've been a steadfast supporter of NIL and ensuring student-athletes have the opportunity to utilize their name, image and likeness for profit and to elevate their experience as Arizona Wildcats. As we continue to grow in how we best support our student-athletes, I am asking our outstanding community of dedicated supporters to evolve with us through these NIL initiatives.

Since the inception of NIL, I have tasked our athletics department to lead from the front in this emerging space by being innovative, adaptive and inclusive. NIL is now an integral part of the lives of student-athletes as a critical addition to our longstanding Commitment to an Athlete's Total Success (C.A.T.S) program. Arizona Athletics remains committed to its mission of providing opportunities for student-athletes to become academic, athletic and life champions, and supporting the outstanding young women and men in our programs through new NIL endeavors bolsters that commitment. Philanthropic support of Arizona's NIL initiatives from the Wildcat Family will ensure we stay at the forefront.

NIL opportunities for Wildcats grew with the launch of several key external organizations. The Friends of Wilbur and Wilma is a collective and membership organization that supports our football, women's basketball, softball, and all other programs. The Arizona Assist Club is a membership-driven organization that specifically supports our men's basketball team. Finally, the BPS Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that utilizes donations to educate, encourage, and assist student-athletes in their efforts to engage with the local community through charitable causes.

The next step is broadening the awareness of how our incredible community and fans can enhance the Arizona student-athlete experience through NIL activities. These new ways of supporting Arizona Wildcats through NIL include the Arizona Assist Club, Friends of Wilbur and Wilma, the BPS Foundation or our cutting-edge Arizona EDGE Marketplace, which connects you directly with student-athletes for NIL opportunities. I encourage each of you to learn more about these new avenues of support for Arizona student-athletes.

This support comes at a critical time as we look to maintain our competitive position in the Pac-12 and nationally. I ask that each of you explore how you can make a difference in the lives of the student-athletes, whether it be through a membership or an NIL-related engagement, as we ensure Arizona Athletics continues its legacy as one of the premier athletic departments in the nation. Thank you again for your unwavering support of our athletics department and its student-athletes.
 
Bear Down,
 
 

Dave Heeke