An exchange service benefitting Pitt football players has officially been launched, it was announced on Tuesday.
The Steel City NIL Club is live online and is offering premium services from Panthers players in exchange for a monthly subscription fee. In an introductory video, linebacker Shayne Simon said this includes online meet-and-greet sessions, film breakdowns, and access to an online community (message board) to connect with fellow fans and the players.
The website also notes the offerings of players "discussing past games, upcoming matchups, practice updates, recruiting stories, etc."
#H2P pic.twitter.com/78SADWaxPv
— Steel City NIL Club (@SteelCityNIL) August 9, 2022
According to the NIL Club's website, revenue goes directly to the players with monthly subscriptions starting at a minimum commitment of $5 per month. There is no maximum commitment or cap on how much donors can give to the club.
There is no "tiered" system for content purposes, but the website notes that a donor can receive a free jersey for a $25 monthly commitment. However, any commitment that meets the minimum will allow for access to all of the benefits.
Some of the Panthers players involved in the announcement of the name, image, and likeness venture include Simon, cornerback A.J. Woods, defensive end Deslin Alexandre, and offensive lineman Jason Collier Jr. The website notes that more than 100 Pitt football players are set to benefit from the financial support.
The club is partnered with YOKE, which is providing the software for the student-athletes.
In just 30 minutes of being live on Tuesday, the service had raised $1,578.00 from 100 active members. Within 55 minutes of their announcement, more than $2,000 from 115 active members were raised.
