TheLinkU is the leading NIL platform built to simplify, scale, and support the future of athlete compensation. We provide schools with a turnkey infrastructure to manage revenue sharing, execute NIL campaigns, and drive sustainable athlete funding compliantly and transparently. We empower universities, student-athletes, and brands to manage, grow, and scale Name, Image, and Likeness opportunities through a seamless, compliant, and data-driven system.

Since launching in 2022, TheLinkU has transformed how institutions and athletes navigate the NIL landscape combining innovative technology with dedicated support to make NIL simple, transparent, and sustainable.

Our Leadership

• Austin Elrod — Chief Executive Officer
• Landon Goesling — Vice President
• John Lee — Chief Product Officer
• Vishal Yadav — Chief Technology Officer

Together, this leadership team drives TheLinkU’s mission to deliver industry-leading NIL technology and operational support that protects, educates, and empowers every user on the platform.

Our Mission

Our mission is to champion integrity in every play by building trust and efficiency in the NIL space.

We exist to protect, elevate, and connect:

1. Protect the Athlete
2. Protect the University
3. Protect the Sponsor

Through automation, compliance oversight, and transparent reporting, TheLinkU helps every partner operate confidently within an evolving NIL environment.

Our Impact

What began as a vision to simplify NIL management has evolved into a nationwide network of athletes and institutions. TheLinkU supports over 2,300 athletes and partnerships in some capacity with 30 schools and Players Era Festival, providing the structure and innovation needed to drive lasting NIL success.

Our platform powers both revenue-share and/or revenue-generation initiatives with the University of Houston, Texas A&M, Boise State, Fresno State, and more, showcasing the flexibility and scalability of TheLinkU’s model across collegiate athletics.

We continue to expand our reach by helping schools strengthen compliance infrastructure, increase NIL participation, and enhance the overall athlete experience through unified technology and strategy.

How We Serve

For Athletes

TheLinkU provides a centralized dashboard for athletes to manage contracts, track deliverables, and grow their personal brands with full transparency and compliance confidence. Our Athlete Marketplace allows fans to request personalized experiences like autographed items, video shoutouts, and more. Through our Opportunities Platform, athletes can connect directly with brands, discover active NIL campaigns, and secure partnerships that align with their personal brand and goals.

For Universities

TheLinkU’s technology gives athletic departments complete oversight of NIL operations. Our GM Model Platform equips general managers with tools to project and strategize budgets, plan for roster management, and analyze future team development. Integrated contract workflows streamline approvals, ensure compliance, and simplify documentation keeping every NIL activity organized, secure, and fully transparent.

For Sponsors & Brands

Seamless access to verified athlete partnerships, campaign performance insights, and measurable ROI backed by trusted compliance reporting. TheLinkU makes it easy for brands to collaborate with athletes, launch campaigns, and track performance all within a transparent, compliant framework.

Why TheLinkU

The NIL era is transforming college athletics and TheLinkU is leading that transformation. We don’t just power deals; we power a movement built on structure, trust, and opportunity.

TheLinkU is where technology meets transparency and where the future of NIL begins.