Sailing race with multiple sailboats on a body of water

What is the 68 Oak Collective?

College sports have changed significantly over the years. Today’s student-athletes establish their personal brands, secure sponsorship deals, and receive direct compensation.

At 68 Oak, we see more than just an opportunity – we see a legacy.

We are the official NIL Collective for Hampton University student athletes, focused on turning students’ personal potential into generational success. Composed of alumni and investors, our mission is to give Pirate fans the chance to support our athletes through lucrative NIL deals.

As one of the top historically Black universities in the world, Hampton University is a tightly-knit community of learners and educators, representing 49 states and 35 territories and nations.

Basketball player in a white uniform with blue accents, posing with a basketball.

OUR ATHLETES

Three basketball players in 'Pirates' uniforms standing together with a basketball.

68 Oak Collective supports student athletes across all Hampton Pirates Teams:

  • Men's basketball
  • Men's cross country
  • Men's lacrosse
  • Men's tennis
  • Men's track and field
  • Women's basketball
  • Cheerleading
  • Women's cross country
  • Women's soccer
  • Softball
  • Women's tennis
  • Women's track and field
  • Women's triathlon
  • Volleyball
  • Co-ed sailing

What We Do

Creating Opportunities

We create a variety of NIL contracts that the student athletes can use to earn from their skills while at the same time being good representatives of the Hampton brand.

Building Community

At 68 Oak, our commitment extends beyond the scoreboard. We foster genuine connections between athletes and their fans that follow the trajectory of the athlete’s journey. Our community is made up of the whole Hampton family: university staff, students, alumni, and other friends of the university.

Empowering Athletes

We equip student athletes with the tools for future success, including career guidance, professional development programs, and resources. This ensures they excel academically and build the foundation for a bright future outside of the game.

Two female soccer players in action on a field with stadium seats in the background.

Our Commitment

Hampton Athletics has always been focused on the welfare of student athletes in three main areas: athletic excellence, academic achievement, and community engagement. 68 Oak takes this dedication a notch higher.

Every partnership that we help establish, every deal we negotiate, and every dollar we raise is turned around to benefit those student athletes who continually motivate us. These young talents put in a lot of hard work, and we, in turn, want to acknowledge that hard work and invest in their future.

Cheerleaders in blue and white uniforms with 'HU Pirates' on a track and field event.
RISING TIDE

A Message from Our Director

Over the past few years, the landscape of college athletics has undergone significant and transformative changes. One of the most exciting and impactful developments in the evolving landscape is the ability for student athletes to engage in partnerships and receive compensation through their name, image, and likeness (NIL). This shift has opened a myriad of opportunities for athletes, allowing them to leverage their personal brands and receive support in meaningful ways.

The 68 Oak Collective has emerged as a vital player in this new era, providing Pirate supporters with a unique and invaluable opportunity to connect with and directly support our athletes. Their approach emphasizes not just financial backing but also a deep-rooted commitment to community involvement. By fostering these partnerships, The 68 Oak Collective helps to bridge the gap between our athletes and the local community creating a network of support that extends far beyond the playing field.

Hampton Athletics is unwavering in its dedication to ensuring that our student athletes have every opportunity to succeed. This commitment spans three critical areas: athletic competition, academic achievement, and community engagement. Our athletes work tirelessly to excel in their sports, maintain strong academic records, and give back to the community that supports them.

The efforts of The 68 Oak Collective are instrumental in augmenting this support system. Through their initiatives, they not only provide financial resources but also mentorship, networking opportunities, and a platform for athletes to develop their personal and professional skills. This comprehensive support helps our student athletes navigate the complexities of balancing sports, studies, and personal development.

We deeply appreciate the dedication and hard work of The 68 Oak Collective. Their contributions significantly enhance the overall experience of our student athletes empowering them to achieve their full potential. As we continue to navigate the evolving landscape of college athletics, the partnership with The 68 Oak Collective stands as a beacon of how collaborative efforts can lead to the holistic development and success of our athletes.

Anthony D. Henderson, Sr.
Director of Athletics, Hampton University

What Our Coaches are Saying

  • Tamisha Augustin

    NIL is the future of our women's basketball program! Being competitive in the CAA and in our region is a top priority to attract recruits! We want to create pathways to championship resources. We need our large alumni base to assist in major cities by bringing potential partnerships that will connect our student athletes. NIL creates exclusive brand opportunities that ultimately lead to the community knowing our players personally. Pirate family, let's make sure we sustain "The Standard of Excellence."

    -Head Coach, HU Women's Basketball

  • Calvin L. Butts Jr.

    I believe that the NIL gives these student athletes the opportunity to market themselves in a way that gives them a platform to not only help themselves but their families as well. We all know that this game is not going to last forever, so why not give them a leg up as they are entering the competitive business world after they have graduated with a degree. We know here at Hampton University we have to compete with all of the CAA Conference teams as well as a lot of the teams on the east coast. Staying in the game, in the now heavily recruited transfer portal we need to have the ability to stay in the fight. To have the opportunity to provide NIL would definitely keep us highly competitive.

    -Class of '02, Board of Trustees, Chair of Student Life & Athletics Subcommittee

  • Ivan Thomas

    As our student athletes represent us to the world and compete in the classrooms, fields, and courts, we owe it to them to ensure they have all the opportunities to market themselves and utilize their name and likeness. Alumni, students, and friends of the university all get to participate and benefit from the success of the program! Building a championship program takes time, talent, and treasure! Let's take the steps and compete in the CAA Conference and across the NCAA landscape! Go Pirates!

    -Head Coach, HU Men's Basketball

Headshot of Tamisha Augustin smiling and facing the camera against a neutral background.
Headshot of Calvin Butts Jr. smiling and facing the camera.
Headshot of Ivan Thomas facing the camera against a light background.