1801 Media Launched as The Garnet Trust’s Groundbreaking, Athlete-Driven Content Network

Columbia, SC ( September 24, 2024) – The Garnet Trust, the collective supporting University of South Carolina athletes, is proud to announce the launch of “1801 Media”, a new media company formed in partnership with The College Sports Company and NOCAP Sports.

“1801 Media” provides new opportunities for athletes and the Garnet Trust, maximizing NIL potential through original content and unique sponsorship opportunities. The collaboration represents a significant evolution in the revenue generated by NIL collectives and athletes, while empowering current and former athletes to tell their stories and connect with fans.

“This partnership with College Sports Co. and NOCAP Sports will take South Carolina’s NIL efforts to the next level,” said Jeremy Smith, Director of Operations at Garnet Trust. “1801 Media is a game-changer in terms of how we support our athletes, offering them the tools needed to succeed in NIL."

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Collectives are in search of more sustainable, revenue-producing strategies to ensure they can support current athletes and land top future talent. Fans consume a majority of content through social media, eager for more access to the athletes, and “1801” bridges the gap, creating scalable, monetizable content.  

“1801 Media is more than just a media network– it’s the future of NIL,” said Porter Grieve, CEO of The College Sports Company. “We’re transforming how athletes monetize their brands and how collectives generate revenue. This isn’t just about content, it’s about creating a powerful, sustainable ecosystem that drives millions in NIL revenue and reshapes the landscape of college sports.”

“1801 Media” leverages the combined strengths of The College Sports Company–known for its expertise in producing top-tier media content–and NOCAP Sports, which brings unparalleled experience in sports sponsorships and influencer marketing. Together, the organizations create engaging content featuring student-athletes and offer brands new, innovative ways to invest in college sports.

"1801 Media creates a new and innovative way for brands to engage the community, fanbase, and student body,” said Nicholas Lord, CEO of NOCAP Sports. “Through 1801, brands will now be able to support the athletes and their success, while driving a real return on their marketing investment for their businesses. We’re bringing brands to the forefront of the fanbase."

The launch of 1801 Media marks a pivotal moment for NIL in Columbia, South Carolina, providing a platform for athletes to share their journeys and connect with fans on a deeper level. The new media network serves as a foundation for engaging brands in sponsorship opportunities, enhancing current, and creating new, revenue streams, helping athletes grow personal brands and maximize NIL opportunities.

"College sports is changing fast, and schools need to adapt or be left behind,” said Adam Breneman, co-founder of College Sports Co. “1801 Media provides a huge edge in recruiting, building attention for years to come. I see the power of athlete-driven content firsthand, and I’m excited to help the athletes build brands and create content that connects with fans."

“1801 Media” will create a variety of original content series, featuring in-depth conversations with athletes and coaches. Over the coming months, fans can expect even more original content, events, and interactive experiences designed to bring them closer to their favorite athletes in Columbia.

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The launch of “1801 Media” joins other successful media networks already created and monetized by College Sports Co. and NOCAP Sports, including State Media at Penn State and Floyd Street Media at Louisville. Both networks have garnered tens of millions of organic social media views and generated millions of dollars in revenue. Additional schools from major conferences will be announced soon, highlighting the growing national demand for athlete-driven media networks that revolutionize NIL opportunities and content creation. College Sports Co. and NOCAP Sports continue to lead the charge in empowering athletes and universities through this groundbreaking model.

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