MINNEAPOLIS, MN - (NewMediaWire) - July 18, 2024 - Imagine your favorite college team has one of the top-rated players in the nation. Now, imagine that a competing school tries to lure this athlete away with a lucrative offer. But what if this athlete chooses to stay, influenced by something you did? With Roy, this scenario can become a reality.

Introducing Roy (www.joinroy.com), a new, cutting-edge mobile application platform that empowers high school and college athletes to take control of their future by allowing passionate fans to financially support them in a manner compliant with NCAA regulations. Roy provides a unique way for fans to connect with athletes by accessing exclusive content, helping to keep their favorite athletes at their chosen schools.

Empowering Athletes and Fans

Roy, which stands for “Return on You,” shifts the power from a small group of elite schools to the hands of dedicated fans. Roy aims to democratize and transform college sports by offering a platform that enhances engagement and support for athletes and fans through exclusive content. By making financial contributions to athletes through Roy, fans can support their favorite athletes’ choices and in exchange, access exclusive content, creating a deeper connection between athletes and their supporters. 

The Changing Landscape of College Athletics

With the advent of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) compensation as of July 1, 2021, and the NCAA's agreement with "Power Five" conferences allowing direct compensation to athletes from academic institutions as of May 24, 2024, the dynamics of college athletics are rapidly evolving. Roy is here to create stability and bring transparency to this new landscape.

Leadership and Vision

Roy is led by Cale Johnston, a passionate college sports fan and successful entrepreneur who founded and sold the digital banking firm ClickSWITCH. Johnston identified the need for a transparent and stable NIL compensation platform and created Roy to level the playing field for all schools.

"Roy is not just a platform; it's a movement to empower athletes, bring them closer to their fans, and restore the stability that defines the greatness of college sports," said Cale Johnston, Founder and CEO of Roy. "We are committed to providing athletes with the tools they need to succeed in the NIL era while giving fans a unique and engaging way to support their favorite athletes. Our goal is to foster genuine connections and create a thriving community where athletes and fans can grow together."

How Roy Works

Roy provides an easy-to-use, mobile solution for athletes and fans:

1.    Claiming Profiles: Athletes claim their profiles on the Roy App and list their current or desired schools.

2.    Fan Contributions: Fans contribute funds via the Roy app to a pool that athletes can access only if they choose to attend the school supported by the fans.

3.    Exclusive Content: Athletes gain access to funds after selecting a school and are required to produce exclusive content for their supporters, which Roy helps facilitate.

A New Way to Support

Roy provides a legitimate way for fans to financially support their favorite athletes while receiving exclusive content. If an athlete doesn’t choose a fan’s favorite school, the fan’s contribution is returned, allowing them to support other athletes. 

Beyond Football and Basketball

While initially appealing to Division 1 football and men’s and women’s basketball fans, Roy will eventually support athletes in any sport and in any division.

Roy Ranking

Launching in August 2024, the Roy App will allow athletes to see their Roy Ranking, based on funds contributed by fans against other athletes within the same sport. The higher the financial support, the higher the ranking, transparently reflecting each athlete’s market value.

Roy Banking

Roy is set to revolutionize the financial landscape for college athletes by integrating a robust banking element within its platform. This feature will empower athletes to seamlessly manage their earnings from their Roy campaign and other Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, ensuring they have secure, easy, and smart access to their funds. By partnering with a leading financial institution*, Roy will provide athletes with personalized banking solutions tailored to their unique needs, including real-time payment processing and financial planning tools. This initiative not only supports athletes in maximizing their financial potential but also educates them on fiscal responsibility and long-term wealth management. Through this innovative banking component, Roy continues its mission to democratize college sports, offering athletes the financial independence and knowledge needed to succeed both on and off the field.

About Roy

Roy aims to democratize and revolutionize college sports by providing athletes and fans with a platform that fosters engagement and support through exclusive content. Roy empowers athletes to not only attract their highest earning potential but also grow their fan base. Its mission is to empower athletes to monetize their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) while providing fans with unique, exclusive content from their favorite sports icons.

To learn more, visit www.joinroy.com/

*Banking services provided by, and Roy Debit Card issued by, NBKC Bank, Member FDIC.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Sophie Klein

sophie.klein@pockethercules.com

651-964-5568

For more information, visit www.joinroy.com.