TCU announced on Monday the launch of the LEAP Agency, a new initiative aimed at centralizing name, image, and likeness (NIL) support and enhancing the overall student-athlete experience.
The LEAP Agency is designed to strategically align the department’s approach to cap management, NIL operations, and student-athlete development through a holistic, one-stop shop model. The agency leverages partnerships with Learfield (via Horned Frog Sports Properties), the Neeley School of Business Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and the Frog Club to provide support in four key areas:
Leadership – Oversight of roster and cap management discussions
Enterprise – Expanding above-the-cap NIL revenue streams
Advancement – Elevating an athlete’s personal brand with dedicated content support
Performance – Building and sustaining championship rosters
The front-office-style unit will collaborate with coaches and staff on roster and cap management, facilitate compliant third-party NIL partnerships, and provide education and resources to help student-athletes grow their personal brands for long-term success.
“TCU remains committed to fully funding the revenue share limit and with LEAP’s approach to securing above-the-cap funding, we expect to continue our championship level success in the modern-day landscape of collegiate athletics,” said Director of Athletics Mike Buddie. “The experience at TCU is second-to-none, and we will continue to position ourselves as leaders in this wave of change.”
The LEAP Agency includes staff members from across the athletics department, representing areas such as revenue generation, compliance, loyalty giving, cap management, content creation, and contract services, as well as third-party leadership from Learfield and the Neeley School. It serves as the successor to the Flying T Collective, which played a pivotal role in guiding TCU through the early years of NIL activation.
Staff members managing NIL activities include:
Ryan Peck Senior Deputy Athletics Director for External Affairs/Revenue Generation
Greg Featherston Deputy Athletics Director, Regulatory Affairs
Alex Yack Deputy Athletics Director, Development
Jay Fields General Manager, Horned Frogs Sports Properties
Ray Walls Senior Associate Athletics Director, Student-Athlete Development
Nick DiMento Assistant AD for Cap Management and Contract Services
Ali Hickey NIL Partnership Solutions Manager, Horned Frogs Sports Properties
Rodney D’Souza Executive Director – Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation and Legacy Frogs
Ryan Jaramillo Assistant Director of Athletics Creative and NIL Content
Kat Rogers NIL and Cap Management Graduate Assistant