UTSA Athletics unveils the launch of Runners United

OCTOBER 31, 2024 — UTSA Athletics on Thursday announced the launch of Runners United, a comprehensive NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) initiative designed to benefit student-athletes across all UTSA sports programs. This groundbreaking program brings together three key collectives — City Fans 210, 210 Inspired, and Runners Rising — to create a community-focused, sustainable approach to NIL.

By uniting these collectives, Runners United will provide UTSA athletes with greater opportunities for NIL compensation, engage the San Antonio community, and foster philanthropic support, all while solidifying UTSA’s role as an innovative leader in NIL strategies.

“We are excited to announce the formation of Runners United. We are grateful to the three collectives for working collaboratively to support all UTSA student-athletes in the Name, Image, and Likeness space, and this unified approach will only strengthen that effort,” said UTSA Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Lisa Campos. “Our student-athletes and our supporters will all benefit from a stronger, more unified approach to NIL.”

Key Components of Runners United

• City Fans 210 (Event-Based Collective): City Fans 210 focuses on organizing exclusive fan events like the kickoff and tipoff luncheons, golf tournaments and autograph sessions, all designed to enhance fan engagement and provide NIL opportunities for student-athletes. These events will serve as fundraising opportunities with proceeds contributing to the NIL pool for student-athletes.
• 210 Inspired (Tax-Deductible Collective): A fully tax-deductible collective that facilitates charitable NIL activities, providing opportunities for football student-athletes to engage in community outreach programs. 210 Inspired primarily focuses on partnerships with schools, local organizations and non-profits, allowing athletes to use their platforms for positive impact while receiving NIL compensation.
• Runners Rising (Tax-Deductible Collective): A fully tax-deductible collective that provides financial support and professional development opportunities for student-athletes marketing their own Name, Image and Likeness. Funds are allocated to all student-athletes other than football.

“The world of college football has changed dramatically in the last few years, and the exciting news is that so many of us raised our hands to help. As we progressed and got our footing in the NIL space, we each began to show strengths in different areas,” April Ancira, founder of 210 Inspired. “This made the next step of teaming up under one umbrella the most logical and synergistic move we could make to reach new heights.”

Wayne Gonzales, executive director of Runners Rising, added that, “Runners United has the power to significantly enhance the support we provide to UTSA’s student-athletes. With support from the university, this united effort ensures that student-athletes not only succeed on the field but are also equipped with the tools for academic achievement. Runners Rising will continue to lead NIL efforts for all non-football sports, while 210 Inspired takes the lead for football, ensuring that we cover every corner of UTSA Athletics. This approach allows us to focus on driving NIL success across all programs, giving every student-athlete the opportunity to benefit from our collective efforts.”

“Runners United is a team effort by everyone involved to make Roadrunners Athletics a competitive force in the collegiate sports world,” Bob Wills, board president of City Fans 210, said.

Loyalty Points through RAF (Roadrunner Athletic Fund)

Contributors to Runners United collectives will now earn loyalty points within the RAF framework, incentivizing continued involvement. Supporters will receive two points for every $100 donated to NIL collectives.  

Goals

• Maximize NIL opportunities for UTSA student-athletes across all sports.
• Establish sustainable, community-driven programs that increase fan engagement.
• Position UTSA as a leading university in innovative NIL strategies and student-athlete success.

With Runners United, UTSA Athletics embarks on a new era of community-driven NIL opportunities, empowering student-athletes to maximize their potential and build stronger connections with fans and the San Antonio community.

— Sean Cartell

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