Navigating NIL: How ORU’s Zane Hampton Helps Athletes Build Their Brand
Hometown: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
Sports Marketing
“Since the implementation of NIL [name, image, or likeness], the collegiate sports industry has witnessed a flurry of activity, with athletes engaging in endorsements, sponsorships, and personal brand initiatives. … Brands are starting to recognize the value of NIL deals, with 35% investing exclusively in college athlete partnerships.” —SponsorUnited. (2024, March 20). NIL Marketing Partnerships 2023–24 Report.
With the NCAA’s changing landscape, college athletes must now ask themselves this important question: “How do I build my brand?” It’s a question that’s not easily answered, meaning many college athletes will need expert advice when it comes to personal branding. One of those experts is ORU’s Zane Hampton, a sports marketing major currently working with college athletes and NIL endorsements.
“Influencer marketing is a huge thing,” said Zane. “Businesses are seeking influential athletes to promote brands. Most athletes will not make it to the NFL or the NBA, and I want to create deals that help these athletes succeed now and in their future outside of sports. Through NIL, there are opportunities for that.”
“Businesses are seeking influential athletes to promote brands. Most athletes will not make it to the NFL or the NBA, and I want to create deals that help these athletes succeed now and in their future outside of sports. Through NIL, there are opportunities for that.”
Discovering a Passion: Finding a Mentor
Originally, Zane enrolled at ORU as an entrepreneurship major. Driven by a lifelong passion for sports, he began searching for a way to connect athletics to a future career. Zane credits Dr. Terry Shannon, Associate Professor of Health, Leisure and Sport Science, with helping him make this connection through sports marketing.
“Dr. Shannon asked me what I wanted to do with my degree,” Zane said, “and I told him I wanted to be a sports agent. One of his graduates is currently an NFL agent in Dallas, and he convinced me that sports marketing was the path I needed to take. So he sat me down and helped me draw up a plan for my future.”
Zane points to Dr. Shannon as being an important influence on his life. As Zane describes it, Dr. Shannon “saw something in me,” which now motivates Zane to work harder as a student. In the classroom, Zane sees Dr. Shannon as more than just a teacher; he sees Dr. Shannon as somebody who truly cares for his students.
“The fact that he cares so much,” Zane said, “is a real inspiration. He takes an interest in his students, and you see that in the classroom. Before every class, he shakes your hand and asks, “How are you doing?” And then together, we all pray. I have him for two different classes, and in both classes, you see that same amount of caring.”
The NFL Draft: A Big Opportunity
Zane currently works with the Brave Performance Agency, an NIL company that combines expertise in sports, marketing, and law to help clients
maximize their potential on and off the field. At the agency, Zane has worked with
college athletes from Arkansas, Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, and Tulsa. He also helps
manage the personal brand of James Droz, a sports influencer who’s best known for the catchphrase “What Happened?” With Zane’s
help, James’ social media has grown astronomically, surpassing 1.2 million followers
and 36.9 million likes on TikTok. Eventually, the NFL took notice and invited James
to the 2023 NFL draft.
“James was asked to announce one of the draft picks,” said Zane, “so I jumped on a Zoom call with the Kansas City Chiefs and set it up. It was my first opportunity to step on the big stage and take the lead. I never experienced anything like it; I had to rely on God. It was quite an experience to be behind the scenes and see how things work in the NFL draft. It stretched me and opened a lot of doors."
Zane says that working with the Kansas City Chiefs has given him the confidence to lead when big opportunities come up. Still, it can be intimidating for a college student to work directly with an organization as large as the NFL. When faced with something intimidating, Zane says it’s important to rely on God and let Him guide your journey.
“I've had multiple experiences where doors have opened and doors have closed,” Zane said, “but it's taught me to trust God even more. I don't know exactly what's ahead of me, but I know God has given me a platform through sports to share my faith with others. I'm not only representing athletes; more importantly, I am representing Christ.”
Zane working with James and meeting NFL player Tyreek Hill
Zane at the NFL draft with NFL player Donald De La Haye (pictured far left),
and other influencers and creators
UNIVERSITY BRIEF
ORU is a Christian, Spirit-empowered, interdenominational university in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with 15 years of consecutive enrollment growth. Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ORU offers over 150 majors, minors, concentrations, and pre-professional programs at the bachelor’s level, ranging from business and engineering to nursing, ministry, and more. Under the leadership of President Dr. William Wilson, ORU is preparing students from all 50 states and 152 nations in the last four years to be whole leaders for the whole world.
The Wall Street Journal ranked ORU as the #8 university in the nation for student experience and one of America's Best Colleges (2024). This new category rates the best colleges in the U.S. to have a great experience while attending. This ranking is powered by one of the largest ever independent surveys of verified college students and recent graduates in the United States. Niche recognizes ORU as one of the top 25 most diverse colleges in America, # 1 best Christian college in Oklahoma, and # 1 in Oklahoma for diversity. Princeton Review ranked ORU as the best regional college, and College Raptor ranked ORU as a Hidden Gem in the Southwest.
ORU has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report as:
- #1 in Undergraduate Teaching
- #2 in Most International Students
- #3 in Best Value
- #6 in Best College for Veterans
- #7 in Best Regional Colleges in the West
For more information, visit www.oru.edu.