Western Michigan University (WMU) Athletics, in collaboration with the Broncos Will Reign Collective, has announced a pioneering partnership with Roy, Inc., introducing a mobile app designed to transform fan engagement and support for student-athletes. This innovative platform allows fans to contribute financially to their favorite WMU student-athletes in exchange for exclusive content, fostering a deeper connection between the Bronco Nation and its athletes.
The Roy app, accessible on Google Play and the App Store, represents a significant advancement in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities, offering a transparent and secure way for supporters to impact athlete recruitment and retention directly. Cale Johnston, CEO of Roy, highlighted the community-building aspect of this initiative, emphasizing its potential to unite fans and athletes towards common goals.
This partnership is timely, aligning with the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics where NIL plays a pivotal role. Mitch Zajac of Broncos Will Reign pointed out the uniqueness of this opportunity for fans to engage with and support WMU athletes, setting a precedent in collegiate sports.
The announcement precedes Reign Together Day on November 19th, where contributions via the Roy app will qualify for additional benefits, further encouraging fan participation. Since its formation in January 2023, the Broncos Will Reign Collective has been instrumental in retaining talent like Marshawn Kneeland, showcasing the collective's impact on WMU athletics.
Roy's platform ensures that all contributions directly benefit the chosen athletes, with safeguards in place for fan refunds if commitments are not met, enhancing trust and engagement. This initiative also complements the Bronco Athletic Fund's efforts, integrating fan contributions into a broader strategy for athletic support.
As collegiate athletics continues to adapt to NIL regulations, WMU's partnership with Broncos Will Reign and Roy, Inc. exemplifies a proactive approach to fan engagement and athlete support. This model not only strengthens the bond between fans and athletes but also sets a benchmark for other institutions navigating the complexities of modern collegiate sports.
