Related: Gophers Football Receiving ‘Substantive NIL Packages’ Recently; Basketball Still Behind

Gray Duck Spirits, Dinkytown Athletes forecast $1M/YR in NIL contributions

“If we can do 30% of the Minnesota market leader in vodka we will be close to our million-dollar goal. The rest of the goal would come through Duck Duck Beer and Fan Pack seltzer sales,” said Gray Duck partner Jerry Schulz. “On average consumers can save 25% versus the market leader for the same quality due to Gray Duck’s new premium filtration method. We have created a win-win. Fans get a quality product for less cost that supports our state and what we care about. Every dollar matters to the athletes and the success of our athletic programs. We are asking fans to join us and when buying vodka, beer or seltzers think about the impact you can have.”

Gray Duck Spirits Press Release

Of course, the release did not include how much of the Minnesota vodka market Gray Duck Spirits currently owns, but nonetheless, it appears they are excited about the partnership they have with Dinkytown Athletes.

And why wouldn’t they be? I have to imagine they have seen sales skyrocket since announcing that 20% of Duck Duck Beer, 25% of Fan Pack Seltzers and 30% of Gray Duck Vodka sales in Minnesota all go toward the official U of M collective.

Dinkytown Athletes operating on all cylinders for Minnesota Gophers NIL fund

DTA has made a huge impact on the the University of Minnesota’s NIL situation compared to the rest of the Big Ten, and other power 5 athletic departments nationally. At this point, they’ve executed countless deals with local businesses across the state, including a sweet bacon promotion with Thousand Hills Meats that funnels 100% of proceeds for the month of January to Dinkytown Athletes.

But still, I can’t imagine anything will end up outdoing what they have in place with Gray Duck Spirits. There are a lot of Minnesota Gophers sports fans who enjoy their occasional (or more than occasional) adult beverage. With all other things mostly equal — and for the average every-other weekend drinker, that’s usually the case — why not buy the brand that sends part of your money to your favorite college sports teams?

“The potential for our partnership with Gray Duck is now massive,” said Dinkytown Athletes Vice President and Co-Founder Rob Gag. “The reception fans have given Duck Duck Beer has been incredible to see. Now if we can help Gray Duck grow their vodka sales the impact will be exponential. This is a Minnesota company (Gray Duck) giving back to a Minnesota organization (Dinkytown Athletes) that supports student athletes at the University of Minnesota. We’re already seeing success thanks to our wonderful fans, let’s see how much we can grow.”

Gray Duck Spirits Press Release

So what are you waiting for, Minnesota sports fans? Tomorrow is a holiday. You might as well safely venture out tonight to the closest Gray Duck beverage dispensary, and make sure you responsibly contribute to the Gophers’ cause.

The Gophers head coach sent a stark warning that, if funding does not increase, the University of Minnesota football program will become a minor league club for other college teams more able/willing to throw money at the best high school and transfer portal talent in the country.

Dinkytown Athletes trying to save Gophers athletics

But there is one hope that has arisen from the NIL ashes that threaten to bury the Gopher football program. Dinkytown Athletes (DinkytownAthletes.com) was started by a group of Gophers alumni who have spent years jumping through hoop after hoop after hoop in order to become the official NIL collective of the U of M.

And in the last year or so, Dinkytown Athletes has been picking up serious momentum, partnering with dozens of businesses across the Twin Cities. But none of those partnerships rival their latest endeavor… into alcohol sales.

Dinkytown Athletes + Gray Duck = Gophers NIL Beer

On Wednesday, Dinkytown Athletes revealed a new deal they’ve signed with the hottest local alcohol brand in town, Gray Duck Spirits. According to the announcement, Gray Duck will release a light lager (4.5% ABV) on Thursday called “Duck Duck Beer”, along with four different seltzer flavors (5.0% ABV).

20% of all sales will go to Dinkytown Athletes, to help fund NIL initiatives. Both the beer and seltzers will be on sale at Top 10 Liquor and ValU Liquors near campus on Friday and quickly expand across the state from there.

🚨🔥👀〽️ Introducing Duck Duck Beer! 〽️👀🔥🚨

Official collaboration with @grayduckspirits

20% of profits go to Dinkytown Athletes

Distribution begins tomorrow & will quickly expand to liquor stores & bar/restaurants throughout metro & outstate MN.

Press Release tomorrow… pic.twitter.com/DnZzpqnI1y

— DinkytownAthletes (@DTAthletes) September 28, 2023

Initial @grayduckspirits seltzer flavors:

– Bomba
– Tangerine
– Banana
– Kiwi Mango

Expect more flavors to be released over time. pic.twitter.com/qkbVKFCMwO

— Tony Liebert (@TonyLiebert) September 28, 2023

This could be exactly what Minnesota Gophers fans have been waiting for. A way to support their favorite football program by doing nothing more than getting drunk. Now, to do your part, just choose Duck Duck Beer when you find yourself perusing your favorite liquor store.

Related: Minnesota Gophers football schedule 2023

The Iowa Hawkeye NIL collective has the same sort of agreement in place with their own local alcohol company and it is essentially paying for anything they need, from a Name, Image and Likeness standpoint, laying a realistic roadmap for how successful this new partnership can be.

So do your part, Minnesota Gophers fans. Go get drunk this weekend.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan