Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union (Affinity Plus) is pleased to announce the extension of its partnership with the University of Minnesota Gopher Athletics and Learfield’s Gopher Sports Properties for another five years. The credit union will also significantly expand its involvement in the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) space by supporting a new group of Gopher student-athletes. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Affinity Plus will collaborate with Mara Braun (women’s basketball), Connor Kurth (men’s hockey), Isaac Asuma (men’s basketball), Peyton Hemp (women’s hockey), and Olivia and Stella Swenson (volleyball).
Affinity Plus first entered the NIL arena during the 2023-24 school year, partnering with three student-athletes to provide financial education and engage in community outreach. The upcoming 2024-25 school year presents an exciting opportunity to broaden this program and expand its reach within the Gopher community.
“Our NIL partnerships not only support these remarkable student-athletes but also help foster a thriving campus community, which Affinity Plus is proud to be a part of,” said David Larson, President and CEO of Affinity Plus. “Investing in these young leaders aligns with our commitment to helping Minnesota students build a strong financial foundation.”
In addition to its NIL program, Affinity Plus will continue supporting Gopher Athletics through various initiatives, including the Gopher Coaches Show, the Gopher Round Table podcast, and the Special Olympics Minnesota Gopher Scoring Drive.
“Affinity Plus has been an outstanding partner to Gopher Athletics,” said Greg Gerlach, Vice President and General Manager of Gopher Sports Properties. “Their unwavering support of Gopher students, both on and off the field, exemplifies how local businesses can enhance Minnesota campus communities.”
The partnership between Affinity Plus and Minnesota Athletics is managed by Gopher Sports Properties, the local arm of Learfield—a media and technology company powering college athletics. While Gopher Sports Properties does not represent student-athletes, it collaborates with corporate partners to maximize sponsorship agreements, incorporating the university’s marks and logos into NIL programs.
