Pac-12 Networks announces new NIL Program, partnership with Veritone

The Pac-12 Networks announced the launch of a new initiative to allow current Pac-12 student-athletes and their name, image and likeness partners to license Pac-12 Networks footage and highlights.

The initiative will be formally known as the Pac-12 Networks NIL Licensing Program and will be in partnership with Veritone. Veritone is an artificial intelligence tech company that was launched in 2014.

 Pac-12 Networks President Mark Shuken noted that this partnership streamlines the process for student athletes and their NIL patterns.

“As part of a network built to showcase the Pac-12 Conference, its student-athletes and programs, the Pac-12 Networks NIL Licensing Program is an important step in recognizing and celebrating the new opportunities available to student-athletes,” Shuken said. “We are proud to provide this new, streamlined process for student-athletes and their NIL partners to easily access and make the most of Pac-12 Networks footage in this new landscape.”

Veritone Senior Vice President and General Manager Mike Arthur commented on the partnership.

“At the forefront of advancing technology and as subject matter experts, Veritone strives to make content more accessible to licensees and create a smooth process for our library partners,” said Arthur. “Through the Pac-12 Networks NIL Licensing Program, we are excited to make this content available for the first time to current Pac-12 student-athletes and the brands with which they will work.”

Vertione is described as a “leading provider of artificial intelligence (AI) technology and solutions.”

Pac-12 Networks is the first and only sports media company wholly owned by its 12 universities. Pac-12 Networks offer live coverage of 850 sporting events and extensive original programming in one national and six regional television networks. It also offers extensive digital content accessible through social media, university websites, the Pac-12 Now app and newly-launched streaming service, Pac-12 Insider.

Pac-12 players having NIL success

A number of Pac-12 players have reaped the benefits of new Name, Image and Likeness rules in college athletics.

Oregon star defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux has announced partnerships with EBay, United Airlines and an NFT deal with Nike founder Phil Knight and designer Tinker Hatfield, among others.

USC quarterback Kedon Slovis signed with Klutch Sports for NIL representation while freshman defensive end Korey Foreman, a five-star in the 2021 class, signed with Rosenhaus Sports.

Arizona State quarterback Jayden Daniels has announced partnerships with Venezia’s New York Style Pizzeria, Fry’s Food Stores and The Jones Auto Group, among others. Daniels’ parternship with The Jones Auto Group included a 2020 Ford Mustang GT premium.