New NIL collective started to support Clemson athletes

On3 imageby:Matt Connolly06/02/22

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A new NIL collective is being launched to support Clemson University athletes.

“Dear Old Clemson” has been founded by Robert MacRae and Jason Beaty, it was announced Thursday morning.

The goal of the collective is to “bring Tiger fans, businesses and student-athletes together to make sure they all win together.”

The collective will focus on football, basketball, baseball and softball to start.

“Our mission is to do NIL the ‘Clemson way,’” MacRae said. “Dear Old Clemson was created to benefit
the student-athletes, the Clemson business community, and the best fans in the nation.”

There are options to contribute to only football, only women’s sports or to football, basketball, baseball and softball.

The hope is that the collective will be a game-changer for baseball and softball — sports with limited scholarships available.

Club members will have access to exclusive events with student-athletes, receive early access and discounts on collectibles, as well as other benefits.

Memberships start at $5 per month and go up to $1,000 per month.

Some of the funds raised will be used to compensate student-athletes in exchange for appearances at local
businesses. The collective will match portions of funds from local businesses that pay student-athletes to help promote their businesses.

“When the Tigers are successful on the field, it certainly helps the local business community. We plan to do our part to help,” said Beaty, owner of Clemson Variety & Frame.

Several former Tigers athletes have agreed to serve as advisors to Dear Old Clemson, including Kyle Parker, Shaq Lawson, Adam Humphries and Sam Russ.

“The Clemson community has always raised to the occasion to help the Tigers compete at the highest level,” said MacRae, CEO of MacRae Consulting Corporation and owner of The Clemson Insider Media Group. “It will take a grassroots effort for the Tigers to compete in NIL. Dear Old Clemson will provide a platform to allow all fans to do their part and enjoy an experience that is sustainable and repeatable.”

For more information visit DearOldClemson.com.