NFL Rookies Engage in Business Education and Partner Networking at 30th Annual NFLPA Rookie Premiere 

Los Angeles, May 14, 2024 – The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) is set to host the 30th annual NFLPA Rookie Premiere from May 15-19 in Los Angeles. This milestone event will bring together 40 top rookies from the 2024 NFL Draft. As one of the NFLPA’s flagship events, Rookie Premiere serves as a pivotal opportunity to educate these emerging stars on the business side of professional football and expand upon their existing endorsement careers. Notably, Fanatics will unveil each rookie’s official jersey for the first time and players will participate in photo and content shoots with Panini and EA, and more. 

NFLPA Rookie Premiere offers its partners a unique opportunity to connect with influential young athletes, showcasing their products alongside emerging stars and leveraging group player rights. This event serves as a vital platform, showcasing the rookies’ potential, fostering connections with companies using the power and influence of player marketing and talent to drive both a positive player brand presence as well as business success. Among the 40 rookies expected to participate are Bo Nix, Brock Bowers, Michael Penix Jr., Caleb Williams, Rome Odunze, Laiatu Latu, J.J. McCarthy, Drake Maye, Malik Nabers, Ricky Pearsall, and Jayden Daniels. For a complete roster, click here. 

Throughout the event, prominent NFLPA business partners, including Panini America, Fanatics, EA Sports, and Fanatics Collectibles will engage with the rookies to create content for upcoming campaigns, marketing activations, and player promoted products. Additionally, other partners such as Sleep Number, Lowe’s, EXOS, FedEx, Jewelmark, New Era, Outerstuff and WHOOP will provide players with gifting, products, and/or services. 

During orientation conducted by union leaders, the NFLPA will offer rookies insights into football’s business aspects and the union’s programs and services, such as group licensing and creating passive income opportunities. Rookies will also establish valuable connections to enhance their brands and careers beyond the field.  

“NFLPA Rookie Premiere gives our partners a fantastic chance to connect with the most promising pro football players of the future,” said Matt Curtin, President of NFL Players Inc. “This year’s class will learn about their union’s business, building on their NIL rights experiences from college. The event gives them better tools and resources to take full advantage of group licensing opportunities. It also helps them meet partners who can support their success on and off the field.” 

Rookies at the event are selected based on factors like college performance, draft status, position, and marketability. The NFLPA Rookie Premiere draws a diverse pool, highlighting both hidden gems and top picks. Since 1994, it has been a pioneering event, granting partners early access to the most marketable new stars.  

Media and fans can follow @NFLPA for updates via #RookiePremiere for updates, exclusive photos, videos, and news throughout the event.  

### 

About the NFL Players Association

The National Football League Players Association is the union for professional football players in the National Football League. Established in 1956, the NFLPA has a long history of assuring proper recognition and representation of players’ interests. The NFLPA has shown that it will do whatever is necessary to assure that the rights of players are protected—including ceasing to be a union, if necessary, as it did in 1989. In 1993, the NFLPA again was officially recognized as the union representing the players and negotiated a landmark Collective Bargaining Agreement with the NFL. The current CBA will govern the sport through the 2030 season. 

About NFL Players Inc.

NFL Players Inc., the licensing and marketing arm of the NFLPA, connects businesses to the power of NFL players. NFL Players Inc. creates customized business solutions for partners, through licensing, marketing strategy, and player activations. For more information, please visit nflpa.com/players. 

Contacts: 
Brandon Parker, brandon.parker@nflpa.com 

David Cooper, david@mvppr.com