Maryland football will unveil its NIL package within the next week, but a pair of current Terps have partnered with a growing company as the two look to build their brand. Defensive linemen Mosiah Nasili-Kite and Ami Finau are two sponsored athletes for NILWIRE, a fan-first NFT marketplace to connect the fans and athletes. Nasili-Kite and Finau are among nearly 40 athletes signed on from over 25 different schools as founder Na’a Moeakiola gets his new business in an emerging industry off the ground. “Being a former athlete, after the NIL law was passed last summer, I just saw the opportunity to reach out to some of these athletes that we kind of knew already because of our Polynesian background,” Moeakiola said in an interview. “We reached out to them organically and interviewed them, then hand-picked the ones that would be a good representation of the brand that we’re building as far as NFTs and the block chain technology. Giving them the opportunity to not only make money off of their name, image and likeness but also assisting and building their own personal brand. Football is here today and gone tomorrow, but we continue to help them build their brand.” Finau and Nasili-Kite jumped on board over the summer as lifelong friendships helped make the deal possible. “They’re from back where I’m from in Texas,” Finau said last week. “I think it’s helped us build our brand, put our name out there. We’re Polynesians from the west coast coming to the east coast and we can do it too.” Owners of the NFTs will be invited to a handful of unique and exclusive opportunities, such as merchandise and upcoming tailgates at select schools through the fall and into the College Football Playoffs. “It’s all about the athlete. We just want to create something to not only create money, but build their brand and get to know them better behind the scenes, behind the jersey. Bring our flavor from our Polynesian culture into the web three space,” Moeakiola added. “We believe that NFTs are a new futuristic way of creating fandom with allowing fans to get exclusive access and experiences with their favorite players.” Kite wasn’t shy about the opportunity to build his profile off the field. “Definitely just getting to know the fans and extra pocket change. Just the extra amount of money we get helps me and my dog,” he added. “Just the opportunity. It just presented itself and we both wanted to do it and made it happen.” “Just looking up the whole NIL deal and everyone is looking for putting money in our pockets,” Finau added. “I just looked at it as an opportunity to get the outside people close with us. Not just the public looking at us like football players, but regular people. It’s cool to connect with them on another level. Presale for the NFT launch begins on September 19 and can be purchased with either crypto or credit card. Related Links Week One Preview: Buffalo 2024 top-five prospect has several top suitors (+) Jones (FL) athlete talks possible position change, outside interest (+) Inside the Bag: Maryland basketball momentum, football nugget Five stock risers from fall camp WR Marcus Fleming enters transfer portal VIP: return to campus; offseason buzz (+)
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