Bradley University Takes the Helm of NIL Funding
Bradley University announced on Wednesday that it will assume direct management of name, image and likeness (NIL) funding for its men’s and women’s basketball teams, replacing the previous collectives Home of the Brave and Be Brave.
The shift is intended to create a more streamlined and coordinated channel for supporters who want to contribute, with donations now flowing directly to Bradley Athletics and eligible for tax‑deductible status.
Tom Hammerton, who was appointed general manager of the Braves basketball squads roughly a month ago, will oversee the new structure. Hammerton previously served as president of the OSF HealthCare Foundation, bringing experience in large‑scale fundraising and institutional leadership.
Under the new model, contributions will be earmarked for program priorities such as travel, recruiting, scheduling operations and broader athlete support services, giving donors a clear line of sight into how their gifts impact the team.
Bradley University says it remains committed to competing for championships and delivering a first‑class student‑athlete experience, a goal that the revised funding approach is designed to reinforce.