Wichita State NIL collective announces new partner, rebrands to Wheat Shock Collective

Taylor Eldridge
Steve Adelson/Courtesy

The primary Wichita State NIL collective is receiving a makeover.

Armchair Strategies, which was launched in April 2022 by former WSU baseball players Tymber Lee and Tyler Weber, announced Thursday afternoon it has partnered with Blueprint Sports and rebranded to Wheat Shock Collective.

“Elevating WSU athletics has been a central focus for us since the inception of the collective nearly two years ago,” Lee said in a statement. “With the increasing importance of NIL and in collaboration with Blueprint Sports, we are advancing our efforts to provide even more support in new and creative ways. This presents a significant opportunity for all Shockers and your support is particularly crucial at this juncture.”

Lee and Weber, who are both active members in the Wichita business community, have helped represent WSU student-athletes in sports like men’s basketball, volleyball, softball and baseball to help them earn money from their name, image and likeness.

The duo will stay on as partners in the new-look venture, but cede control of day-to-day operations to Blueprint Sports, one of the industry’s leaders that also helps operate collectives from Kansas, Penn State, Arkansas, Maryland, Washington, Arizona, North Carolina State and others.

Among the first moves by the new-look Wheat Shock Collective is to find a general manager and hire local staff members. Blueprint Sports will handle fundraising campaigns, corporate sponsorships, athlete engagements, social media, compliance and player interaction in the community.

“We’re excited to see Wichita State student-athletes benefit from the additional support that Wheat Shock Collective will provide,” WSU athletic director Kevin Saal said in a statement. “We all know how important NIL is in today’s landscape, so having an organization that’s dedicated to their NIL success and to connecting them with the Wichita community is critical.

“It’s paramount we support these new endeavors to positively impact the future successes of NIL at WSU. As we journey ahead, we are challenging 5,000 members of Shocker Nation to support the Wheat Shock Collective with a $500 annual gift. These resources will equip both Wheat Shock Collective and Shocker Athletics in the recruitment, development and retention of elite-level talent.”

In its release, Wheat Shock Collective outlined three ways for fans to help contribute to the cause:

  • Tax-deductible donations. Wheat Shock Collective has partnered with the BPS Foundation, a national 501c3 organization. Student-athletes will partner with local nonprofits to work as advocates for charitable causes.

  • Membership. Becoming a member of Wheat Shock Collective includes exclusive benefits, like meet-and-greets with student-athletes, autographed merchandise and more.

  • Corporate sponsorship. NIL allows local and national sponsors to partner with WSU student-athlete for endorsement deals, marketing campaigns, appearances and other projects.

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