FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 28, 2024 – AthleteGEM™, a trailblazer in the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) landscape, announces the official launch of its Signature Diamond program, offering athletes at all levels an unprecedented opportunity to preserve their legacy through the transformative power of rare, natural diamonds.
This revolutionary new initiative is backed by AthleteGEM™’s exclusive partnership with VD Global, a De Beers Diamond Sightholder renowned for its commitment to ethical sourcing, transparency, and sustainable luxury. VD Global is also a proud member of the World Diamond Council and the Responsible Jewelry Council, further reinforcing its dedication to responsible practices and the highest ethical standards in the diamond industry.
Through this groundbreaking collaboration, AthleteGEM™ is creating a unique avenue for athletes to earn premium NIL royalties in one of the highest value categories: natural diamonds. By linking athletes’ stories to bespoke, one-of-a-kind Signature Diamonds, AthleteGEM™ offers a lasting way for athletes to immortalize their journeys, both in and out of the arena.
“This isn’t just about a diamond; it’s about creating a legacy that will last forever,” said Danny White, Founder and CEO of AthleteGEM™. “As someone who played in a smaller college and saw many athletes overlooked for meaningful NIL deals, I’m committed to democratizing access to opportunities for all athletes, regardless of their level. With VD Global’s unwavering support, we’re helping athletes of all backgrounds establish a lasting presence in the world of luxury, where their stories are valued and celebrated.”
A New Era in NIL: Empowering Athletes Through Legacy, Transparency, and Value
AthleteGEM™’s Signature Diamond program is set to empower the NIL ecosystem by offering a tangible, enduring product that links athletes, donors, and institutions in a way that traditional NIL deals cannot. The partnership with VD Global ensures that each Signature Diamond is crafted from the finest natural diamonds, meeting the highest standards of ethical sourcing and traceability.
“We are proud to support AthleteGEM™ with all the resources necessary to make this vision a reality,” said Bhavya Vaghasia, CEO of Luxury at VD Global. “Over the past year, I have had the privilege of working closely with Danny White and the AthleteGEM™ team. Together, we’ve studied the NIL landscape and explored how we can bring lasting, sustainable change to athletes’ lives. My personal commitment to responsible luxury and sustainable sourcing aligns perfectly with AthleteGEM™'s mission. This partnership allows us to offer athletes a meaningful way to preserve their legacies, while ensuring that every diamond is ethically sourced and transparently traced from mine to creation.”
The response to AthleteGEM™’s Signature Diamond program during the first 10 days of the beta test has been overwhelming, with nearly 100 athletes already committing to the initiative. This rapid adoption highlights the strong desire among athletes to secure their legacies in a way that is both impactful and enduring.
A Win-Win-Win Model for NIL Collectives, Universities, and Athletes
AthleteGEM™ is also working closely with top university NIL collectives to address the challenges they face in creating meaningful partnerships that go beyond typical sponsorships.
“We’ve spent significant time listening to NIL collectives and their pain points, and we are crafting solutions that benefit not just the athletes but the universities and the collectives themselves,” White continued. “More details will follow soon as we finalize these collaborations, but we are excited about the opportunities ahead.”
A Systematic, Centralized Approach to NIL Success
AthleteGEM™ is designed to be a leader in the NIL space. Grant Sapkin, Partner of AthleteGEM™ and COO, and a leading voice in the sports tech and NIL ecosystem, commented:
“Having been in the NIL space for years and seeing the challenges firsthand, I’m confident that AthleteGEM™’s systematic, centralized approach will provide tremendous value to athletes and NIL collectives. Through our unique model, athletes can now build meaningful, long-term value that extends beyond short-term deals.”
The Future of Athlete Empowerment and Legacy Creation
Athletes who participate in the AthleteGEM™ Signature Diamond program will not only gain access to high-value NIL royalties but also the power to create a tangible, lasting legacy. Through this unique partnership, AthleteGEM™ is setting the stage for a new era of NIL opportunities—one that emphasizes sustainability, transparency, and the enduring value of natural diamonds.
About AthleteGEM™
AthleteGEM™ is a pioneering company at the intersection of sports, luxury, and NIL. By offering athletes the opportunity to immortalize their achievements through bespoke Signature Diamonds, AthleteGEM™ is transforming the NIL landscape with a focus on long-term, sustainable success for athletes at all levels.
Partnering with VD Global, a trusted De Beers Diamond Sightholder, AthleteGEM™ ensures that each diamond is crafted with the highest ethical standards, creating permanent value for athletes, their supporters, and the NIL ecosystem.
For more information about AthleteGEM™ and to learn how to participate in the Signature Diamond program, please visit www.athletegem.com or contact info@athletegem.com
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