From February 15-29, Fighting Illini fans nationwide are encouraged to support student-athletes through the first-ever 217 Membership Drive.
WHAT IS THE 217 MEMBERSHIP DRIVE?
The 217 Membership Drive serves as a vehicle to generate new ICON for Illini memberships as well as to further elevate the commitment of the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA) toward shaping the future of Fighting Illini student-athletes through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). With a lofty goal of generating 217 new memberships, the initiative empowers Fighting Illini fans at every level to play an active role in the success stories of current and future student-athletes.
During this two-week acquisition campaign, new members can join ICON for Illini at a discounted rate of $21.70/month or $217 for the year. Anyone who becomes a new member, is a current member who refers a new member, and individuals making a one-time gift of $100 or more will receive an exclusive 217 rope hat.
Whether you were born into it, married into it, or walked across the stage with a degree – it’s a shared identity; a home that binds the 217 community together.
There are 3 primary ways that everyone can get involved and support this critically important initiative:
Become a member: Sign up to become an ICON for Illini member and show your support for our student-athletes.
Make a Contribution: Every dollar makes a difference. Make a one-time contribution to support this initiative.
Spread the word: Share the campaign with fellow Illini supporters and encourage them to get involved.
THE IMPORTANCE OF NAME, IMAGE, AND LIKENESS SUPPORT:
In the dynamic landscape of intercollegiate athletics, Name, Image, & Likeness (NIL) remains at the forefront of developing a high-impact level of support and an enhanced student-athlete experience. It is imperative that ICON be able to provide robust NIL resources for our 21 athletics programs so they can recruit, retain, and develop elite-level talent to maintain a competitive advantage. Gifts to ICON are the single most important way supporters can contribute to the sustained success of the Fighting Illini.
WHAT DOES ICON DO?
ICON for Illini facilitates partnerships between Fighting Illini student-athletes and fans, alumni, businesses, non-profits and other community organizations to create meaningful Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) opportunities. In addition to providing robust financial support to our student-athletes, these NIL opportunities infuse professional and entrepreneurial lessons that will set them up for sustained, elite-level success, on and off the field of play.