Gray Duck Spirits and the University of Minnesota Gophers official NIL collective, Dinkytown Athletes, have only been working together for a few months. But this week, via press release, the two sides announced big plans for regarding their path and future forecasts.
Related: Gophers Football Receiving ‘Substantive NIL Packages’ Recently; Basketball Still Behind
Gray Duck Spirits, Dinkytown Athletes forecast $1M/YR in NIL contributions
“If we can do 30% of the Minnesota market leader in vodka we will be close to our million-dollar goal. The rest of the goal would come through Duck Duck Beer and Fan Pack seltzer sales,” said Gray Duck partner Jerry Schulz. “On average consumers can save 25% versus the market leader for the same quality due to Gray Duck’s new premium filtration method. We have created a win-win. Fans get a quality product for less cost that supports our state and what we care about. Every dollar matters to the athletes and the success of our athletic programs. We are asking fans to join us and when buying vodka, beer or seltzers think about the impact you can have.”
Gray Duck Spirits Press Release
Of course, the release did not include how much of the Minnesota vodka market Gray Duck Spirits currently owns, but nonetheless, it appears they are excited about the partnership they have with Dinkytown Athletes.
And why wouldn’t they be? I have to imagine they have seen sales skyrocket since announcing that 20% of Duck Duck Beer, 25% of Fan Pack Seltzers and 30% of Gray Duck Vodka sales in Minnesota all go toward the official U of M collective.
Dinkytown Athletes operating on all cylinders for Minnesota Gophers NIL fund
DTA has made a huge impact on the the University of Minnesota’s NIL situation compared to the rest of the Big Ten, and other power 5 athletic departments nationally. At this point, they’ve executed countless deals with local businesses across the state, including a sweet bacon promotion with Thousand Hills Meats that funnels 100% of proceeds for the month of January to Dinkytown Athletes.
But still, I can’t imagine anything will end up outdoing what they have in place with Gray Duck Spirits. There are a lot of Minnesota Gophers sports fans who enjoy their occasional (or more than occasional) adult beverage. With all other things mostly equal — and for the average every-other weekend drinker, that’s usually the case — why not buy the brand that sends part of your money to your favorite college sports teams?
“The potential for our partnership with Gray Duck is now massive,” said Dinkytown Athletes Vice President and Co-Founder Rob Gag. “The reception fans have given Duck Duck Beer has been incredible to see. Now if we can help Gray Duck grow their vodka sales the impact will be exponential. This is a Minnesota company (Gray Duck) giving back to a Minnesota organization (Dinkytown Athletes) that supports student athletes at the University of Minnesota. We’re already seeing success thanks to our wonderful fans, let’s see how much we can grow.”
Gray Duck Spirits Press Release
So what are you waiting for, Minnesota sports fans? Tomorrow is a holiday. You might as well safely venture out tonight to the closest Gray Duck beverage dispensary, and make sure you responsibly contribute to the Gophers’ cause.