TheLinkU Acquires Athlete Branding Firm Sam Green University
Student-athletes can expect new education and brand-management services following the acquisition.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Higher Education
Live Poll
Do you believe NIL programs help college athletes build valuable professional skills beyond their time on campus?
TheLinkU has acquired Sam Green University and AthleteCon to bolster its athlete-focused technology and revenue services. The integration aims to expand educational resources and NIL opportunities for collegiate athletes.
Why it matters
This merger consolidates athlete branding and NIL services under one platform, potentially standardizing the support available to college athletes navigating the changing landscape of name, image, and likeness rights.
The acquisition follows AthleteCon 3.0, which hosted 230 athletes and resulted in 30 NIL deals and 15 internships, according to company records. While TheLinkU plans to offer new certifications and financial support, the specific launch dates for these resources are not yet known.
The players
TheLinkU
A technology and revenue services firm founded in 2022 that provides support and educational resources for student-athletes.
Sam Green
The founder of Sam Green University and AthleteCon who has worked with more than 3,000 NCAA athletes and 32 athletic departments.
The details
TheLinkU will integrate Sam Green University services and AthleteCon into its existing technology platform. Sam Green University provides workshops focused on personal branding and sponsor obligations, which will now be paired with TheLinkU’s revenue services to assist NCAA athletes. The company intends to scale these offerings into a year-round development curriculum.
Timeline
2022: TheLinkU was founded by Austin Elrod.
October 28, 2026: TheLinkU announced the acquisition of Sam Green University and AthleteCon.
Education Landscape
This acquisition reflects the ongoing consolidation of support services tailored to collegiate athletes following the adoption of the NCAA Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policy. As athletes increasingly manage commercial rights, platforms are racing to offer comprehensive brand-management tools.
Collegiate athletes looking to build their personal brands should monitor TheLinkU for future announcements regarding online workshops and financial-support certifications. If you are interested in these services, consult with your school's athletic department or compliance office regarding eligibility.
The takeaway
Athlete-focused platforms are increasingly integrating education with revenue services to assist students managing NIL opportunities. Keep an eye on institutional compliance rules before signing any brand contracts or enrolling in third-party personal branding certifications.
Further reading
Learn more about resources for students in the Higher Education section.
More information
View available resources and program updates on the TheLinkU services information page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Manila times.
Live Poll
Do you believe NIL programs help college athletes build valuable professional skills beyond their time on campus?
