Minneapolis, MN — March 11th, 2026 — Dinkytown Athletes, the official NIL collective of the University of Minnesota, today announced a strategic partnership with Athletes Thread, a leading provider of officially licensed Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) merchandise and Trading Cards. This collaboration is designed to enhance NIL opportunities and provide best-in-class merchandising solutions for Golden Gophers athletes.
Through this partnership, Athletes Thread will serve as Dinkytown Athletes’ official merchandising and trading card partner, delivering innovative, high-quality NIL products that empower student-athletes to build and monetize their personal brands.
Athletes Thread currently partners with more than 415 colleges nationwide and supports over 50,000 student-athletes, offering a full suite of NIL merchandise including custom apparel, jerseys, trading cards, home decor, and personalized designs. The company is committed to helping athletes maximize their NIL potential while maintaining authenticity and quality.
“This partnership with Dinkytown Athletes represents a major step forward in our mission to empower student-athletes,” said Ian Collins of Athletes Thread. “By working together, we can create more meaningful opportunities for University of Minnesota athletes to connect with fans and grow their brands through premium merchandise and unique collectibles.”
Dinkytown Athletes plays a pivotal role in supporting University of Minnesota athletes by facilitating NIL opportunities and fostering strong connections between athletes, fans, and the local community. With Athletes Thread as its official merchandising partner, the collective will expand its ability to offer athletes customized, high-quality products that resonate with supporters.
“We are excited to partner with Athletes Thread to elevate the NIL experience for our student-athletes,” said Derek Burns of Dinkytown Athletes. “This collaboration allows us to better serve our athletes by providing innovative merchandising solutions and new ways to engage with fans.”
The partnership underscores a shared commitment to innovation, athlete empowerment, and the continued growth of NIL opportunities within collegiate athletics.
Fans can shop officially licensed University of Minnesota NIL merchandise here: https://athletesthread.com/pages/college/university-of-minnesota
For more information about Dinkytown Athletes, visit: https://dinkytownathletes.com/about/
About Athletes Thread
Athletes Thread is a leading supplier of NIL merchandise, working with 415+ colleges and providing over 50,000+ athletes with high-quality NIL merchandise, custom designs, jerseys, and more. The company is committed to empowering student-athletes to leverage their NIL rights and build their personal brands.
About Dinkytown Athletes
Dinkytown Athletes is the official NIL collective of the University of Minnesota, dedicated to creating opportunities for student-athletes through partnerships, community engagement, and innovative NIL initiatives.