The Minnesota-based credit union signs five-year agreement and supports new cohort of student-athletes for 2024-25 academic year

Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union (Affinity Plus) is excited to announce the renewal of its partnership with the University of Minnesota Gopher Athletics and Learfield’s Gopher Sports Properties for an additional five years. Additionally, the credit union will significantly expand its involvement in the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) space, supporting a new group of Gopher student-athletes. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Affinity Plus will partner with Mara Braun (women’s basketball), Connor Kurth (men’s hockey), Issac Asuma (men’s basketball), Peyton Hemp (women’s hockey) and Olivia and Stella Swenson (volleyball).

Affinity Plus first ventured into the NIL space with Gopher student athletes in the 2023-24 school year, partnering with three athletes to provide financial education and community outreach. The 2024-25 school year presents an exciting opportunity to broaden this program and reach within the Gopher community. 

“Our NIL partnerships not only benefit these incredible student-athletes, but also help nurture a vibrant campus community that Affinity Plus is honored to be a part of,” said President and CEO of Affinity Plus David Larson. “Investing in these young leaders is an integral part of our commitment to helping Minnesota students build a strong financial foundation.”  

In addition to the NIL program, Affinity Plus will continue its support of Gopher Athletics through various initiatives, such as the Gopher Coaches Show, the Gopher Round Table podcast and the Special Olympics Minnesota Gopher Scoring Drive.

“Affinity Plus has been an incredible partner to Gopher Athletics,” said Greg Gerlach Vice President and General Manager of Gopher Sports Properties. “Their support of Gopher students on and off the field is invaluable and a shining example of how local businesses can show up and bolster Minnesota campus communities.”  

The partnership between Affinity Plus and Minnesota Athletics is managed by Gopher Sports Properties, the locally based team of Learfield – the media and technology company powering college athletics. Gopher Sports Properties does not represent student-athletes, but collaborates with corporate partners to maximize their sponsorship agreements with the inclusion and integration of the university’s marks and logos as part of NIL programs.