The University of Michigan has made another hire that is aimed at enhancing NIL capabilities and opportunities for student-athletes. NFL Players Association (NFLPA) executive Terése Whitehead has been hired as University of Michigan Athletics’ first in-house NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) Executive GM.
You can read the full press release below, courtesy of Altius Sports.
Ann Arbor, Mich. – NFL Players Association (NFLPA) executive Terése Whitehead, an expert in brand building and athlete marketing, has been appointed as University of Michigan Athletics’ first in-house NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) Executive GM in collaboration with Altius Sports Partners (ASP). Returning to her alma mater, Whitehead brings extensive experience as Vice President of Consumer Products & Strategy at NFL Players Inc., the for-profit business arm of the NFLPA. Whitehead will spearhead Michigan’s NIL program in her new role, leading the department’s strategy to provide athletes with comprehensive support and resources to capitalize on their NIL opportunities.
“Terése’s addition to our team marks a pivotal moment for Michigan Athletics, and I am excited to partner with her,” said Warde Manuel, the Donald R. Shepherd Director of Athletics. “Terése is a perfect fit and uniquely qualified to lead U-M’s strategy thanks to her impressive sports background in marketing, licensing, brand development, and partnerships and her experience across agency, league, and team settings to tailor tremendous revenue-generating opportunities for teams and individual athletes. Through this joint venture with Altius Sports Partners, I am confident that Terése will quickly navigate the shifting NIL landscape to empower and positively position our student-athletes.”
Recruited by ASP, Whitehead will provide dedicated and specialized expertise for U-M student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and collectives, including strategic guidance, educational programming, and support with partnerships and activations. With support from ASP’s team of industry thought leaders, she will enhance Michigan’s NIL program while serving as the day-to-day point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, including Michigan Sports Properties and Champions Circle, and as a specialized advisor for athletes. Whitehead will educate, design initiatives, and raise awareness in the business community, collaborating with the athletics department on various programs and resources to support Wolverine athletes in maximizing NIL opportunities and enhancing their overall experience.
“Returning to the University of Michigan feels like a homecoming where my passion for sports and advocacy began,” said Whitehead, who is a 1999 U-M graduate. “My entire sports marketing journey has equipped me with invaluable experience, particularly in leveraging the individual and group NIL rights of professional athletes. Now, alongside Altius Sports Partners, I’m eager to apply that insight to empower U-M athletes in navigating the evolving landscape of NIL. Our goal is clear: support every stakeholder, elevate Michigan’s NIL initiatives, and shape futures both on and off the field. I’m committed to making a lasting impact, ensuring every Wolverine student-athlete feels supported, informed, and empowered to seize opportunities ahead.”
“Terése’s extensive experience as an industry leader, combined with her unique insights, brings unmatched expertise to the dynamic world of college athletics,” said Andrew Donovan, President of ASP College at Altius Sports Partners. “The University of Michigan stands to gain significantly from her qualifications. We’re excited to welcome Terése as she spearheads efforts to empower Wolverine athletes in maximizing their NIL potential and enhancing their overall experience.”
With more than 20 years of experience in sports and entertainment, Whitehead has a proven track record in licensing, marketing strategy, branding, and athlete relations. During her eight-year tenure with the NFLPA, she orchestrated substantial global licensing revenue growth for the organization’s for-profit arm, managing a portfolio that generated more than $2.75 billion in sales, and fostering collaborations with businesses leveraging the marketing influence of NFL players. Whitehead was also instrumental in developing customized programs for the benefit of players and partners, extending the NFLPA’s global footprint.
Prior to her tenure at the NFLPA, Whitehead served as senior vice president of marketing and brand development at Tandem Sports + Entertainment, where she led strategic marketing efforts for numerous NBA, WNBA, and MLB players including Hall of Famers Grant Hill, Ray Allen, Tim Duncan, and Tamika Catchings as well as current Texas Rangers Executive VP and GM, Chris Young. She also has a background in team marketing, having worked in advertising, branding and promotions for the Atlanta Hawks and Atlanta Thrashers. Whitehead earned her bachelor’s degree from Michigan and is a frequent speaker at sports business conferences and guest lecturer in sports business classes.
Michigan Athletics continues to innovate in NIL, leveraging programs such as the Academic Success Program, Athletics Career Center, and Leadership Development Programs to provide comprehensive education and branding support for its athletes. The Wolverines also boast the largest NIL marketplace in the country as part of the VICTORS Program.
The ASP GM Program, launched in July 2022, involves 17 participating institutions, including Michigan. This initiative offers tailored education, strategic guidance, and execution support for NIL initiatives, aligning with each institution’s unique needs and priorities.
