BREAKING: USC Alumni Led Non-Profit NIL Collective "House of Victory" Launches
Last June USC took its first public steps in the Name, Image & Likeness (NIL) arena when the school announced an agreement with Stay Doubted. The plan was for it to be modern-day media agency empowering the next generation of student-athletes and fans.
Although BLVD and Stay Doubted wasn’t able to accomplish its mission, falling short in their endeavor was in large part out of their control.
Nearly a year after the launch of highly anticipated BLVD and the partnership with Stay Doubted, a new USC NIL Collective “HOUSE OF VICTORY” was officially launched today (April 14).
This launch comes a day before the USC Spring Game and fans attending will be treated to “House of Victory” video on the Jumbotron at the Coliseum on Saturday. This launch of “House of Victory” is of the upmost importance to ensure USC’s not competing on a lopsided playing field.
It’s also important for USC alums and fans to understand “House of Victory” is being funded and fueled by the passion and love of the University of Southern California. There will be no financial gain for those supporting this NIL Collective.
“While we launch today, “House of Victory” and its founding members have been working six months behind the scenes to get NIL right at USC. Having volunteered on various USC boards for over 15 years, I thought I knew the power of the Trojan Family, but I’ve been truly humbled at not only the willingness, but the eagerness of our faithful family to give back to our beloved university.
“Our nonprofit model created by Trojans and run by Trojans with no personal or financial benefit to those involved ensures our success and means donations provided directly benefit our incredible student-athletes.”
House of Victory
Why “House of Victory” is Different
Where “House of Victory” (HOV) will clearly differentiate itself from all other USC NIL Collectives, will be its alignment with the University of Southern California
House of Victory is the first NIL sponsor of USC Athletics, having signed a corporate partnership with PlayFly Sports, USC’s exclusive multi-media rights holder.
This partnership affords “House of Victory” unique branding opportunities, trademark rights, and advertising across USC’s platforms. Including game day opportunities within the LA Coliseum and Galen Center for both men’s and women’s sports.
“We are proud to welcome House of Victory into the USC Athletics partnership program,” said Drew DeHart, USC Sports Properties & PlayFly Sports vice president/general manager. “It is an exciting time for the Trojans and with the partnership with House of Victory. As a Proud NIL Sponsor, USC’s student-athletes will have tremendous support.”
A third element to House of Victory that will separate them from other USC NIL collectives, is the ability to raise money. There are already multiple seven figure donors and many other who’ve contributed significantly to HOV.
Nonprofit, Alumni-led, Board-Operated NIL Collective
House of Victory will also differentiate itself, at least for now, in other ways.
First off, It’s nonprofit, alumni-led, board-operated Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) collective dedicated to providing University of Southern California student-athletes NIL opportunities. Founded by avid USC supporters and former Trojan greats, House of Victory is solely committed to providing a competitive edge for the incredible student-athletes, athletic department, and coaches.
Strong NIL Collectives are Essential
A strong NIL program is an essential pillar to long-term success. Built to unite the Trojan Family, supporters will honor the legends, traditions, and victories of the past by ensuring success in the future. House of Victory added Spencer Harris as Executive Director and Megan Mueller as Director of Athlete Relations.
“The standard is championships at USC. The alumni behind House of Victory intend to match that same standard with this NIL program. We encourage every passionate Trojan to get involved and support the student-athletes,” said HOV Executive Director Spencer Harris.
The Mission
The HOV Collective also consists of two nonprofit organizations. House of Victory Corporation offers a membership program for supporters to receive a range of benefits. Those include exclusive content and experiences with their favorite student-athletes. House of Victory Foundation promotes and fosters charitable and educational community activities utilizing the active participation of student-athletes.
“Over the last six months, an executive team and advisory council made up of passionate, selfless Trojans meticulously created House of Victory. It’s a nonprofit platform led by Trojans, overseen by Trojans, and for the benefit of USC Athletics and the Trojan Family,” said Matthew Christensen, Managing Partner for Christensen Development and Former President of the USC Athletics Trojan Board of Directors.
“The USC alumni behind House of Victory have completely aligned interests. They have extensive relationships with school officials due to their long history of support. The only motivation behind House of Victory is to bring Trojans together under a nonprofit platform they can trust to provide the best NIL opportunities possible for the student-athletes, and thereby protect the future success of the athletic programs.”
“House of Victory”
Impact on Recruiting
While USC won’t be offering or facilitating NIL Deals with high school athletes or collegiate transfers, House of Victory and other NIL Collectives will absolutely impact recruiting on all levels. Despite not offering deals, a primary goal is for the NIL collectives to aid recruiting and player retention.
Instead of offering prospects deals or telling them they’ll earn a specific amount of compensation, USC can offer examples of what Student-Athletes in their sport or players at their position earned….or are earning.
Lincoln Riley can tell Dylan Raiola what Caleb Williams has earned thru NIL Deals. Josh Henson can tell Brandon Baker what offensive linemen at USC earn. In the end, USC won’t be lying to kids or misleading them about potential NIL opportunities.
All USC Athletic Programs Benefit
With funds raised from supporters, “House of Victory” offers NIL opportunities to specific student-athletes across all of USC’s twenty-one sports. Outside of board-approved necessary operating costs, all funds raised go directly to the student-athletes. In addition to donor and fan contributions, “House of Victory” can help brands and companies connect with USC’s fanbase. This is done through corporate partnerships by aligning with our platform and the NIL of our student-athletes.
“It’s so important that House of Victory is alumni-backed because we understand the Trojan Family,” said Rodney Peete, USC Athletics Hall-of Fame inductee and former dual- threat quarterback (1985-1988).
“There’s a passion when you go to school here and you want to see that standard of excellence continue in the years to come. That’s what it means to be a USC Trojan and that’s why it’s important for alumni like myself to be involved.”
Why BLVD Never Met Expectations
There have been significant changes with how NIL collectives are permitted to operate since the formation of BLVD. Brandon Sosna also moved on as USC football Chief of Staff to join the Detroit Lions front office.
Sosna was not only the mastermind of BLVD, he was also the connection to the high-powered and extremely wealthy USC alums. When he departed, there was nobody in place to fill that void until House of Victory was born six months ago.
In addition to providing significant compensation to USC student-athletes for NIL work they performed, BLVD was set to provide non-exclusive agency representation. It was also set to offer financial literacy education, legal support, accounting services, and personal brand development.
NCAA Rule Changes with NIL
Current NCAA rules no longer permit schools to offer the above representation to the student-athletes. So, it’s okay to get the athletes paid, but be damned if you educate and guide them through these life-changing opportunities. Pardon me while I shake my head….again.
In late November 2022, Mike Bohn called Sosna the architect of USC’s search that landed head football coach Lincoln Riley. He was named to Forbes’ “30 Under 30 2020: Sports.”
We believe he was the driving force behind USC leaving the Pac-12 for the Big-10. He always hinted the Pac-12 wasn’t doing USC any favors and George Kliavkoff would likely end up regretting that. I’m guessing Sosna was right….like in most cases.
About Playfly Sports
USC Sports Properties is a division of Playfly Sports. A full-service sports marketing company operating where sports marketing, media & technology converge. PlayFly Sports drives outcome-based solutions for brands reaching approximately 83% of all US sports fans. It generates over 230bn impressions each year in pro, college and high school sports.
Alumni Advisory Council
Matthew Christensen
Sue Cimbaluk
Carter Ewing
Eric Holoman
Brandon Hunt
Patrick Jones
Wayne Kamemoto
Brad Lachemann
Dan Nguyen
Clayton Olivier
Jake Olson
Steve Price
Ryan Rieches
Steve Ross
Frostee Rucker
Eric Schmitz
Kevin Shannon
Wil Smith
Brett Swartzbaugh
Dan Trapp
Jacob Ullman
Brian Weitman
House of Victory Alumni Athlete Board
Sam Baker
Matt Barkley
John David Booty
Anthony Davis
Craig Gibson
Chris Hale
John Jackson
Marcel Lachemann
Rene Lachemann
Paul McDonald
Rodney Peete
Will Poole
Desmond Reed
Frostee Rucker
Mike Salmon
Kyle Williams
