Breaking: Tom Brady Donates $7 Million to Launch NIL Fund for Michigan Wolverines
In a move that has sent shockwaves across the college sports landscape, NFL legend Tom Brady has announced a $7 million donation to launch a groundbreaking Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) fund for the University of Michigan Wolverines. The former New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback, who once walked the halls of Michigan as a student-athlete himself, is giving back in a historic way—setting a new benchmark for athlete support in the Big Ten and beyond.
Brady’s donation will serve as the foundation for one of the largest NIL support programs in the conference. The fund is designed to provide Michigan student-athletes with greater opportunities to benefit financially from their name, image, and likeness—rights they were only recently granted under new NCAA rules. The initiative will cover not just football, but a wide range of sports, ensuring that athletes across disciplines can gain access to endorsement deals, personal branding opportunities, and professional development resources.
“For me, Michigan was the launching pad for everything,” Brady said in a statement. “It gave me the discipline, the work ethic, and the opportunity to become who I am. Now, I want to help make sure today’s student-athletes have the tools and support they need to shape their futures—both on and off the field.”
The move comes at a time when NIL opportunities are transforming the landscape of college sports. With athletes now able to profit from sponsorships, social media, merchandise, and other ventures, schools are competing to provide the best platforms and resources to attract top-tier talent. Brady’s fund instantly puts Michigan at the forefront of that race.
University of Michigan Athletic Director Warde Manuel praised Brady’s commitment, calling it “a game-changer” for the entire athletic department. “Tom’s generosity will have a ripple effect that touches every corner of our athletic community,” Manuel said. “This is about empowering student-athletes to take control of their futures, and Tom understands that better than anyone.”
In addition to direct financial support, the NIL fund will offer mentorship programs, business education, and access to professional networks—many of which will be spearheaded by Brady’s vast connections in the world of sports, media, and entrepreneurship. It is expected to become a model for other schools seeking to balance the competitive NIL landscape with educational values and athlete well-being.
This initiative is more than just a donation—it’s a legacy move. Brady’s investment solidifies his ongoing relationship with Michigan and positions him not only as one of the school’s most celebrated alumni but also one of its most impactful benefactors. For the current and future generations of Wolverines, the road to success just got a powerful new supporter.
As the college sports world reacts to the news, one thing is clear: Tom Brady isn’t just redefining greatness on the field—he’s now doing it in the boardroom, the classroom, and on the campus that helped shape him.