“Storrs Central”

[McLovin]

Just FYI - if you spend $120 on NIL t-shirts the athletes are probably getting about $6-$10 of that money.

Unless you buy a Hass shirt from 22 Threads, because we pay him (at minimum) a 25% royalty on everything we sell…

 

[Penfield]

Unless you buy a Hass shirt from 22 Threads, because we pay him (at minimum) a 25% royalty on everything we sell…

That's great

 

[JMick]

links?

 

[Penfield]

Which is $6-$10 more dollars than a website that doesn't break even. I would imagine they have the numbers on how many active users they need to be "profitable." There's no reason not to share that number. If anything it would encourage signups.

Maybe more info will come out tomorrow on the podcast

 

[87Xfer]

That's great

I'll ask again, Since you're in the know can you point us to any credible source of info on what % of our spend goes to atheletes via which channels?

 

[87Xfer]

Maybe more info will come out tomorrow on the podcast

 

[Penfield]

I'll ask again, Since you're in the know can you point us to any credible source of info on what % of our spend goes to atheletes via which channels?

I can't provide that. It's just based on what I've been told by some folks who have insight into that. BTW, I will still buy NIL Merch and I'm not telling anyone here they shouldnt. Just saying these products aren't necessarily big factors when it comes to how much NIL money Athletes can make, and in most cases there is a company involved attempting to make a profit.

The hope with this website is that a higher % can go to the athletes.

I'll be subscribing to Storrs Central, and I'll also continue buying merch and making donations to BBFG. Everyone should make their own decisions on how to spend their money.

 

[BBFGExecDir]

Man you guys are brutal over here huh? As a gesture of good faith to the Boneyard I'll endeavor to be a little more transparent here. I want to be clear that it is very much not my place to tell an anonymous person on Twitter exactly what the content licensing fee is that we are paying to Aman Kidwai and Graham Chamberlain. These posts have been pretty frustrating to read. My entire job--the thing that I spend 16 hours per day doing--is raising money for UConn NIL. It is my "raison d'être." So the thought that I'm trying to find a way to scam athletes or that I would spend this amount of time on a project that wasn't going to be highly lucrative to the student-athletes is probably more insulting to me than any of you intended for it to be. Next time you bump into a player or coach from FB, MBB, or WBB, go ahead and ask them if they trust me (and Bleeding Blue for Good) to do what is best for their players and their programs.

The same ppl with tighter lips about that stuff now?

Do you think that maybe they would be aware that we have a chance to raise significant NIL dollars via Storrs Central and that we need to deal in access and information to make it a desirable subscription for fans?

Not exactly the transparency that I was hoping for. Hopefully more information is provided because I really like some of the guys involved in the project but could do without these salesmanship type of answers.

Referenced above. Anonymous individual on Twitter essentially asks me for a budget report. I get that you're trying to weigh up if this initiative is worth supporting or if the "cut" that goes to athletes is worth it or not. So I'll provide a more in-depth answer here. I also did a thirty minute podcast tonight with the CT Scoreboard Pod to answer many of these questions. The nuanced answer to your question is that $.80 on the dollar from subscriptions will go to athlete. Sooner rather than later, our sponsorships will be able to cover the cost of the content licensing fees. On3 tried to gouge us for a 50% revenue share per subscription and we told them to pound sand. We found a web developer (F5 sports) that we think is better willing to do it for less than half that. Why? Because we want every possible cent to go to student-athletes. Because it's my job.

It's a weird answer to a simple question

It's really not considering the forum (Twitter) that it was asked. If you asked me at a basketball game and I was talking to a real person with a real face I'd be more open. I'm being more open right now. I'm more open on the podcast that comes out tomorrow.

Probably best to donate directly to D’melios

Aside from the major endorsement deals that Donovan, Paige, and Azzi have, I would hazard a guess that 75% of Uconn student-athlete NIL money has come from Bleeding Blue for Good, but we have a solid working relationship with D'Amelio Huskies. I'm going to offer and try like hell to get them to be a part of our Tier 2 offerings on Storrs Central.

I just don't get what their intent is if they're paying staff. It's ok to pay writers and staff for upkeep but how much of your $10 goes to overhead and how much goes to NIL? If it's close to breaking even then why would you sign up there instead of just staying here? This is one of the most active sports forums left on the internet and it's free. It seems silly to convince people to pay to move "for NIL" and not tell them how much of that money actually goes to NIL

It's nowhere near close to breaking even. Nowhere near close. And the $.80/dollar number above really only exists for Tiers 1 & 2. It doesn't include the higher tiers and it doesn't include sponsorship revenue. More on how the sponsorships will directly benefit the student-athletes on the podcast tomorrow.

If that's how they're going to answer, they aren't getting my money. That's just cheesy salesmanship.

It isn't hard to say X% goes to NIL. Or at least "we're working to maximize that and will have specifics soon."

80%. We're working to maximize that and will have specifics soon.

I think it is related to a general view of the twitter crowd. But if they are putting out great content and better access to the program, I think many would happily support the initiative. If the idea is more a chat with HB and that ilk, good luck.

Indeed it is the former and not the latter.

Maybe more info will come out tomorrow on the podcast

It will! Because this is a no-fail, critical task. Because we need to raise as much money to continue to win championships as we possibly can. Because I WANT everyone to understand what we're doing here and why it's important. Because I genuinely hope (even believe) that we'll be able to turn this initiative into a 7-figure contributor to NIL. And that would be impossible if it were anything close to a "break even" proposition.

 

[JMick]

Man you guys are brutal over here huh? As a gesture of good faith to the Boneyard I'll endeavor to be a little more transparent here. I want to be clear that it is very much not my place to tell an anonymous person on Twitter exactly what the content licensing fee is that we are paying to Aman Kidwai and Graham Chamberlain. These posts have been pretty frustrating to read. My entire job--the thing that I spend 16 hours per day doing--is raising money for UConn NIL. It is my "raison d'être." So the thought that I'm trying to find a way to scam athletes or that I would spend this amount of time on a project that wasn't going to be highly lucrative to the student-athletes is probably more insulting to me than any of you intended for it to be. Next time you bump into a player or coach from FB, MBB, or WBB, go ahead and ask them if they trust me (and Bleeding Blue for Good) to do what is best for their players and their programs.

Do you think that maybe they would be aware that we have a chance to raise significant NIL dollars via Storrs Central and that we need to deal in access and information to make it a desirable subscription for fans?

Referenced above. Anonymous individual on Twitter essentially asks me for a budget report. I get that you're trying to weigh up if this initiative is worth supporting or if the "cut" that goes to athletes is worth it or not. So I'll provide a more in-depth answer here. I also did a thirty minute podcast tonight with the CT Scoreboard Pod to answer many of these questions. The nuanced answer to your question is that $.80 on the dollar from subscriptions will go to athlete. Sooner rather than later, our sponsorships will be able to cover the cost of the content licensing fees. On3 tried to gouge us for a 50% revenue share per subscription and we told them to pound sand. We found a web developer (F5 sports) that we think is better willing to do it for less than half that. Why? Because we want every possible cent to go to student-athletes. Because it's my job.

It's really not considering the forum (Twitter) that it was asked. If you asked me at a basketball game and I was talking to a real person with a real face I'd be more open. I'm being more open right now. I'm more open on the podcast that comes out tomorrow.

Aside from the major endorsement deals that Donovan, Paige, and Azzi have, I would hazard a guess that 75% of Uconn student-athlete NIL money has come from Bleeding Blue for Good, but we have a solid working relationship with D'Amelio Huskies. I'm going to offer and try like hell to get them to be a part of our Tier 2 offerings on Storrs Central.

It's nowhere near close to breaking even. Nowhere near close. And the $.80/dollar number above really only exists for Tiers 1 & 2. It doesn't include the higher tiers and it doesn't include sponsorship revenue. More on how the sponsorships will directly benefit the student-athletes on the podcast tomorrow.

80%. We're working to maximize that and will have specifics soon.

Indeed it is the former and not the latter.

It will! Because this is a no-fail, critical task. Because we need to raise as much money to continue to win championships as we possibly can. Because I WANT everyone to understand what we're doing here and why it's important. Because I genuinely hope (even believe) that we'll be able to turn this initiative into a 7-figure contributor to NIL. And that would be impossible if it were anything close to a "break even" proposition.

To most of us you're a random person coming to an established forum that has a community going back decades and asking us for money to join a new forum. If you don't see how that invites some critique and prompts some questions, then I'm not sure what to tell you.

Asking for transparency isn't an attack.

Looking forward to listening to the podcast.

 

[temery]

If that's how they're going to answer, they aren't getting my money. That's just cheesy salesmanship.

It isn't hard to say X% goes to NIL. Or at least "we're working to maximize that and will have specifics soon."

The University of Connecticut is all-in as far as Bleeding Blue for Good is concerned. That should speak volumes.

 

[huskymedic]

 

[Matt1010]

This is definitely worth a watch/listen for anyone who has time/questions. He does a good job explaining and clears up basically all of the things I've seen questioned.

 

[Bomber36]

I’ve been trying to subscribe with no luck. Maybe not active until next week? Anyone else been trying or had success?

 

[7774]

I’ve been trying to subscribe with no luck. Maybe not active until next week? Anyone else been trying or had success?

I'm not sure what you mean by subscribe, but I was able to create a free account without any issue.

 

[Huskyforlife]

To most of us you're a random person coming to an established forum that has a community going back decades and asking us for money to join a new forum. If you don't see how that invites some critique and prompts some questions, then I'm not sure what to tell you.

Asking for transparency isn't an attack.

Looking forward to listening to the podcast.

Yeah he’s asking strangers for 100+ dollars per year to join a website that seemingly isn't offering anything unique or unavailable in other places.

Then on top of that is getting pissy with those of us who dare expect direct and unambiguous answers as to how this whole thing is funded and where our money is actually going.

Has the coaching staff acknowledged they plan to support this initiative? Do the players have permission to share privileged information about the program/recruiting? Just having access to people doesn’t mean they’ll tell you anything important, I’ve been there.

But besides the questions and criticism, I’m glad BBFG has been so successful in raising NIL and its function as a charity is great for the community. Hopefully the sponsorships come through sooner than later and most if not all the donated funds can be put towards the athletes.

 

[Bomber36]

I'm not sure what you mean by subscribe, but I was able to create a free account without any issue.

A paid subscription. I signed up.

 

[Bomber36]

Yeah he’s asking strangers for 100+ dollars per year to join a website that seemingly isn't offering anything unique or unavailable in other places.

Then on top of that is getting pissy with those of us who dare expect direct and unambiguous answers as to how this whole thing is funded and where our money is actually going.

Has the coaching staff acknowledged they plan to support this initiative? Do the players have permission to share privileged information about the program/recruiting? Just having access to people doesn’t mean they’ll tell you anything important, I’ve been there.

But besides the questions and criticism, I’m glad BBFG has been so successful in raising NIL and its function as a charity is great for the community. Hopefully the sponsorships come through sooner than later and most if not all the donated funds can be put towards the athletes.

Listen to the podcast.

 

[Siv]

Not specific to Storrs Central, but is there a working assumption on how NIL money raised on behalf of the entire department is prioritized among teams and players?

As I understand the current rules, the athletic department still needs to maintain some distance from having control over these monies. Does that mean someone at the NIL apportions funds between football and basketball as they deem fit?

 

[Skiblets]

Think the AD can share 'priorities' to inform the decisions that get made by the NIL folks

 

[UConntLose]

Interesting that many of the people from UConn Twitter the Storrs Central team is using to influence UConn Nation to sign up are a bunch of anonymous people who hide behind their Twitter handles. Don't love the idea of paying to sign up for something because Mister Hot B***s or HurleyMania or NoEscalators promises me its going to be the best site ever. They mine as well have a Nigerian heir to the throne send me an email about it as well.

I'm sure the site will be great, and I will likely sign up, but would be nice to be swayed by a real people.

 

[Exit 4]

Interesting that many of the people from UConn Twitter the Storrs Central team is using to influence UConn Nation to sign up are a bunch of anonymous people who hide behind their Twitter handles. Don't love the idea of paying to sign up for something because Mister or HurleyMania or NoEscalators promises me its going to be the best site ever. They mine as well have a Nigerian heir to the throne send me an email about it as well.

I'm sure the site will be great, and I will likely sign up, but would be nice to be swayed by a real people.

For real people I prefer the Yard. People here are real....right? Actually - IDK.

 

[Penfield]

Interesting that many of the people from UConn Twitter the Storrs Central team is using to influence UConn Nation to sign up are a bunch of anonymous people who hide behind their Twitter handles. Don't love the idea of paying to sign up for something because Mister or HurleyMania or NoEscalators promises me its going to be the best site ever. They mine as well have a Nigerian heir to the throne send me an email about it as well.

I'm sure the site will be great, and I will likely sign up, but would be nice to be swayed by a real people.

Hi. I go by Penfield on social media but my real name is Br, I’m a UConn fan and alum - CLAS ‘06. I think this site is the best option I’ve seen so far to create a sustainable NIL stream.

 

[Bomber36]

Hi. I go by Penfield on social media but my real name is Br, I’m a UConn fan and alum - CLAS ‘06. I think this site is the best option I’ve seen so far to create a sustainable NIL stream.

With you. I’m real. At least, when I pinch myself, it hurts.

 

[Kolumbo]

The Boneyard is the only place where I actually post and read comments. It is the only forum where UConn fans who really follow the programs closely have in-depth discussion and debate. And the only place with true game-day poetry.
I get news from all over the place but I don't pay for it. Our family has too many other financial obligations.
I'll register at Storrs Central for free and see if any of the free content is worth reading. I already spend way too much time getting more than enough UConn info here.
I'll read the reviews here once the site is actually up and running to get feedback.
I can donate to NIL directly but I don't think I will. I view NIL as the student-athletes' opportunity to earn sponsorship dollars. I don't believe in this whole raising money to try to pay student-athletes more than the next program. I don’t agree with NIL but that's just me and that’s a different discussion.
It is good to know we have folks putting in serious efforts to keep UConn Athletics at the forefront and navigating all these crazy changes. At least until it all blows up.

 

[JonnyRI]

With you. I’m real. At least, when I pinch myself, it hurts.

When I fall in a forest I am like 99.8% sure I make a sound.

That said I love the Yard and spend god knows too many hours here. I think and hope this will be a supplement not a replacement to the BY. Like most of you, I find it impossible to get too much UConn content. More the better.

 

[Storrs South]

This is world we live in now. BBfG has done some incredible work on the front end with charity and on the backend of competing in the NIL landscape.


It has the support of UConn Athletics (the AD has sent multiple emails in the last year pushing BBfG events) and is the best vehicle to stay competitive in revenue sports.

The idea isn't to promote me or anyone else, but to get people on board with everyone chipping in a little to make a huge impact.

You don't have to subscribe, you can also just donate directly but the idea is to give something back to fans in return while staying continually invested in NIL.

A common complaint here is beat reporter coverage sucks. Well...here's how you get better coverage while also bettering UConn Athletics.

It's not meant to challenge the BY, it's not a zero sum game. It's complementary. We are all on the same team.

 

[starpka]

Yeah he’s asking strangers for 100+ dollars per year to join a website that seemingly isn't offering anything unique or unavailable in other places.

Then on top of that is getting pissy with those of us who dare expect direct and unambiguous answers as to how this whole thing is funded and where our money is actually going.

Has the coaching staff acknowledged they plan to support this initiative? Do the players have permission to share privileged information about the program/recruiting? Just having access to people doesn’t mean they’ll tell you anything important, I’ve been there.

But besides the questions and criticism, I’m glad BBFG has been so successful in raising NIL and its function as a charity is great for the community. Hopefully the sponsorships come through sooner than later and most if not all the donated funds can be put towards the athletes.

Sounds about right.

Twitter finds everything posted behind a paywall within minutes. There is no reason to pay for something I can get for free. I have and will donate to BBFG, but I'm not going to pay for a subscription and pretend I'm getting something unique for my money.

 

[superjohn]

This is world we live in now. BBfG has done some incredible work on the front end with charity and on the backend of competing in the NIL landscape.


It has the support of UConn Athletics (the AD has sent multiple emails in the last year pushing BBfG events) and is the best vehicle to stay competitive in revenue sports.

The idea isn't to promote me or anyone else, but to get people on board with everyone chipping in a little to make a huge impact.

You don't have to subscribe, you can also just donate directly but the idea is to give something back to fans in return while staying continually invested in NIL.

A common complaint here is beat reporter coverage sucks. Well...here's how you get better coverage while also bettering UConn Athletics.

It's not meant to challenge the BY, it's not a zero sum game. It's complementary. We are all on the same team.

Sounds great.

Tough crowd over here.

 

[Bomber36]

The Boneyard is the only place where I actually post and read comments. It is the only forum where UConn fans who really follow the programs closely have in-depth discussion and debate. And the only place with true game-day poetry.
I get news from all over the place but I don't pay for it. Our family has too many other financial obligations.
I'll register at Storrs Central for free and see if any of the free content is worth reading. I already spend way too much time getting more than enough UConn info here.
I'll read the reviews here once the site is actually up and running to get feedback.
I can donate to NIL directly but I don't think I will. I view NIL as the student-athletes' opportunity to earn sponsorship dollars. I don't believe in this whole raising money to try to pay student-athletes more than the next program. I don’t agree with NIL but that's just me and that’s a different discussion.
It is good to know we have folks putting in serious efforts to keep UConn Athletics at the forefront and navigating all these crazy changes. At least until it all blows up.

I love the Yard as well. I will always come here for info. It is nice, however, to have an alternate source of info that can also contribute to NIL. I’m old and soon to be retired. (CLAS 82) This is the kind of support I can handle. I’ll still support in other ways, but this is an easy call for me. I respect all other opinions on this. I think as time goes on, we will see this site’s worth. If not, well then I gave it a shot. It‘s only a 100 bucks for the first year.

 

[Bomber36]

Sounds about right.

Twitter finds everything posted behind a paywall within minutes. There is no reason to pay for something I can get for free. I have and will donate to BBFG, but I'm not going to pay for a subscription and pretend I'm getting something unique for my money.

Sorry, but I deleted “X” a while ago. It’s a cesspool…get it?