Just a few years back, Iowa State football players were booted from the school due to placing illegal bets on both Cyclone sporting events and others. Now, through the We Will Collective, the college has a partnership with a casino.
Iowa State announced on Wednesday a collaboration to provide NIL opportunities for Cyclone student-athletes with Elite Casino Reports. The deal is a multi-year one that will lead to various sponsorship assets at select Iowa State sporting events while creating new opportunities for student-athletes.
“We’re proud to align our company with Iowa State University Athletics,” said Dan Kehl, CEO of Elite Casino Resorts. “The Cyclone program holds high standards of excellence and is a great fit as we build on our commitment to support athletics and academics in our communities.”
Through the partnership, Cyclone student-athletes will receive NIL opportunities to make appearances at Elite Casino Resorts events and appear in other promotional content for the group.
“The partnership with Elite Resort Casinos has been an overwhelming success for We Will and our student-athletes,” said Brent Blum, executive director of the We Will Collective. “Their support of our in-state programs has been hugely impactful on and off the field.”
Elite Casino Resorts owns five resort destinations in the Midwest including near Iowa City and in Larchwood, Davenport, Nebraska and Southern Illinois.
Back in 2023, Hunter Dekkers and others were kicked off the Cyclone football team after being accused of gambling on Iowa State sports including football. In all, 35 student-athletes at Iowa State and Iowa faced criminal chargers or lost eligibility due to sports betting.
