Driven

Accelerating Diverse Playmakers, Products and Pathways

NFLPA Driven helps accelerate diverse Playmakers by creating points of access to some of the most influential personalities and business leaders in the sports industry. The deadline to apply for the second cohort was May 12.

WHAT IS DRIVEN?

NFLPA Driven is a two-year program that equips diverse, entrepreneurial participants with a highly sought-after NFLPA license and the tools necessary for growth – from product development with officially licensed products to go-to-market strategy.

Playmakers” are how we recognize diverse business entrepreneurs -- specifically those who are people of color, women, and/or individuals from underrepresented groups.

Are You Our Next Playmaker?

Does this sound like you?

  • You are a diverse entrepreneur – specifically a person of color, woman or an individual from an underrepresented group – with an early-stage consumer product business.
  • You have consumer products within the apparel or hardlines (non-gaming or tech) categories.
  • You plan to increase your product offerings through sports licensing.

*Two Playmakers will be selected to participate in the program, which kicks off in August 2023. All applications will be reviewed by a panel of experts to determine qualifications and fit for the program. Applications closed May 12 and applicants will be notified of status in early June 2023.


Program Pillars and Benefits

The two-year program and business-accelerator provides funding, mentorship from strategic partners, licensed product development and distribution, go-to-market strategies and access to NFLPA events. Playmakers gain authorized licensing rights for 2,000+ NFL player names, images and likenesses to develop new products and leverage players in marketing. Driven acts as a foundation for long-term business growth that extends past the program duration.

  • NFLPA License for Product Design
  • Business Coaching & Mentorship 
  • Go-To-Market Strategy & Funding
  • Player Marketing Consultation

THE MISSION BEHIND DRIVEN

The program advocates for the inclusion of diverse entrepreneurs and their consumer products by creating unique opportunities aimed at addressing the diversity gap in licensing. Driven seeks to generate awareness of “sideline culture” and the systemic and inequitable reality that diverse entrepreneurs experience.

Driven helps accelerate diverse Playmakers by providing access to influential personalities, sports business leaders and NFL players, including their intellectual property and marketing potential. The program prepares Playmakers, and their products, for success in the future by building a licensing pipeline.

READY TO APPLY?