About

Our Mission

With the Mountaineer spirit that is unafraid, Country Roads Trust serves as the NIL collective enabling ALL of the WVU Family to actively support West Virginia Student Athletes by cultivating and expanding name, image, and likeness opportunities.

Our Pledge

Country Roads Trust exists solely to benefit West Virginia University Student-Athletes. 100% of proceeds go to athletes. Country Roads trust is committed to efficient fiscal operations and rigorous compliance with all NIL regulations.

Our Objective

The only objective of Country Roads Trust is to expand NIL opportunities for West Virginia University Student-Athletes.

Frequently Asked Questions

When Mountaineer athletes sign up with the Trust, what should they expect?

A student-athlete signing up with the Trust is an indication he or she is interested in participating in NIL opportunities that will be arranged and facilitated by the Trust. There is no fee to sign up. Please remember that Country Roads Trust is committed to serve Mountaineer athletes across all sports.
Is the Trust affiliated with West Virginia University, the Mountaineer Athletic Club or the WVU Foundation?

No, Country Roads Trust is a stand-alone Limited Liability Company under West Virginia state law. It is independent of the University, the MAC and the Foundation. However, like the MAC and the Foundation, its mission is to serve the University and its students.
Are there limitations on NIL deals?
How can businesses get involved?

We welcome any business that may be interested in working with Mountaineer athletes. The staff at Country Roads Trust will connect an interested party with WVU student-athletes, provide marketing, promotional and logistical support and ensure compliance with NCAA and WVU guidelines.
What type of opportunities will there be for student-athletes?
Do other programs outside of football and men’s basketball benefit from Country Roads Trust?

Since when is it legal for college athletes to receive money? I thought this was prohibited by the NCAA?

For decades the NCAA did not allow student-athletes to receive compensation based on their athletic participation or prowess. However, the NCAA changed its tune due to pressure from the federal courts as well as many state legislatures. As of July 1, 2021, student-athletes are allowed to monetize their name, their image and their likeness. For example, a student-athlete can sign autographs at a local bank or car dealership and be compensated for that activity. Or he or she can promote a local company’s product or service on a social media account. https://www.lrt-sports.com/blog/6-most-interesting-nil-deals/
Does the NCAA also allow crowdfunding?

Yes. While fans have been conditioned for years to understand that paying college athletes is prohibited, it’s now legal because of the lifting of NIL restrictions. WVU and its athletic department staffers are barred from creating NIL opportunities for Mountaineer athletes or facilitating them. This is where Country Roads Trust will step in and do what the University or any of its affiliates is not allowed to do.
Can a Mountaineer athlete accept NIL deals that are not arranged or facilitated by the Trust?
How can fans get involved?

Our Mission

Our Pledge

Our Objective

Frequently Asked Questions

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