Macomb, IL. – Western Illinois University Athletics, in partnership with Teamworks Influencer, is proud to launch the WIU Leatherneck Exchange, a new platform that expands Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) opportunities and strengthens connections between Leatherneck student-athletes and businesses, brands, and fans.
Free to both student-athletes and external partners, the Leatherneck Exchange provides a portal for communicating and fulfilling NIL transactions. After registering, businesses, brands, and fans can search a database of WIU student-athletes, filter by interest or sport, and initiate conversations to discuss potential NIL deals. The platform also serves as a content hub where student-athletes can access and share branded photos and videos to grow their personal brands.
The Leatherneck Exchange includes integrated payment tools and tax reporting features, such as the automatic generation of 1099 forms within each student-athlete's Influencer account. Student-athletes have access to educational resources covering financial literacy, branding, and social media growth. The platform allows student-athletes to self-disclose transactions, track earnings per opportunity, and view flagged payments that need attention.
"Western Illinois has taken a thoughtful approach to NIL by launching the Leatherneck Exchange," said Sean Kelly, Senior Account Executive at Teamworks. "This platform not only ensures that student-athletes can pursue NIL opportunities with confidence and clarity, but also helps strengthen connections between Leatherneck student-athletes and their local community, alumni, and fans. We're proud to support WIU in building a sustainable NIL program that prioritizes education, compliance, and long-term brand growth."
By supporting the Leatherneck Exchange, fans, alumni, and businesses can directly contribute to WIU's winning tradition and help shape the next generation of Leatherneck leaders. For more information about the Leatherneck Exchange, please contact Summer Quesenberry, Director of Student-Athlete Experience, at sn-quesenberry@wiu.edu
To learn more and to register for the WIU Leatherneck Exchange, please click here.
About Teamworks Influencer
Teamworks Influencer is the leading athlete brand-building and NIL business management platform used by more than 270 collegiate and professional sports organizations nationwide. Integrated with Teamworks' Operating System for Sports™, Influencer provides schools with secure, compliant tools to help student-athletes manage content, connect with partners, and streamline NIL transactions. Learn more at teamworks.com/influencer.
"Our student-athletes are champions in the classroom, in competition, and in the community," said Paul Bubb, WIU Director of Athletics. "The Leatherneck Club will continue to be the primary giving opportunity that allows us to operationally support and expand our programs. The LeatherneckExchange gives student-athletes a trusted platform to pursue NIL opportunities confidently and ethically if they choose to do so. In addition to empowering our student-athletes, it strengthens our recruiting and retention efforts while creating meaningful ways for fans, alumni, and businesses to invest in the success of Leathernecks everywhere."
