Three Join Forces With UScellular On NIL Campaign

AMES, Iowa – For the 2023-24 college athletic season, UScellular has partnered with three prominent Iowa State student-athletes on Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deals. UScellular's Official Sponsor of Timeouts campaign emphasizes the value of authentic connections over constant digital engagement. It is led by student-athletes Omaha Biliew (men's basketball), Audi Crooks (women's basketball) and Josie Bergstrom (women's gymnastics).

The NIL relationship with these student-athletes draws attention to the company's Built for US brand campaign that uses the theme Official Sponsor of Timeouts. The program includes student-athletes who share videos and still photos on their social media channels. The content calls attention to healthier digital habits that include themes to take a timeout for people and passions that are most important to them. In addition, in-person appearances from each athlete will take place throughout the UScellular footprint. The first chance for fans to meet Audi Crooks and Omaha Biliew is Sunday, March 3^rd from noon to 2pm at the UScellular location at 400 S. Duff Ave in Ames.

"NIL partnerships provide UScellular a unique opportunity to create a program that aligns to its values and gives a platform for student-athletes to tell their individual stories," said Monique Moore, UScellular's director of sales for central Iowa. "While using technology can help us feel connected when watching a game, it should not be a distraction that keeps us from enjoying the experience. As the Official Sponsor of Timeouts, we encourage everyone to focus on the game and life experiences with the people who matter most."

The NIL athlete social media content features a series of engaging posts centered around themes such as Timeouts for What Matters, Timeouts for Team, and Timeouts with US Mode, a customizable tool, fostering healthy digital habits on your phone that enables individuals to reduce distractions for all aspects of life. The content shares stories of who the athletes are beyond their sport to be the best athlete they can be.

"We're incredibly grateful for the NIL opportunities afforded to our student-athletes to share their voices through our partnership with UScellular on the Official Sponsor of Timeouts campaign. This collaboration not only empowers our student-athletes to excel in their sport but also provides valuable life lessons in entrepreneurship and self-representation," said Chris Andrews, Vice President and General Manager of LEARFIELD's Cyclone Sports Properties. "Together, we're shaping a future where student-athletes can thrive both in and out of the gym."

"We are grateful to UScellular for providing this unique opportunity to three Cyclone student-athletes to capitalize on their NIL," said Iowa State Senior Associate Athletics Director Nick Joos. "We look forward to Cyclone Sports Properties continuing to work with our corporate partners to provide similar opportunities in the future, as this is a great time for them to partner with our student-athletes in engaging and meaningful ways."

About UScellular
UScellular is the fourth-largest full-service wireless carrier in the United States, providing national network coverage and industry-leading innovations designed to help customers stay connected to the things that matter most. The Chicago-based carrier provides a strong, reliable network supported by the latest technology and offers a wide range of communication services that enhance consumers' lives, increase the competitiveness of local businesses and improve the efficiency of government operations. Through its After School Access Project, the company has pledged to provide hotspots and service to help up to 50,000 youth connect to reliable internet. Additionally, UScellular has price protected all of its plans, promising not to increase prices through at least the end of 2024. To learn more about UScellular, visit one of its retail stores or www.uscellular.com. To get the latest news, visit newsroom.uscellular.com.

About Cyclone Sports Properties

Cyclone Sports Properties is the locally based team of LEARFIELD, the leading media and technology company powering college athletics. All Iowa State Athletics sponsorships are managed by Cyclone Sports Properties, which does not represent student-athletes, but on behalf of the university, is actively engaged with brands to maximize their sponsorships when paired with student-athlete NIL.