BYU’s Richie Saunders Inks NIL Deal with Ore-Ida: Free Tater Tots for Fans!
PROVO, Utah – BYU Cougars basketball player Richie Saunders has signed a unique Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal that’s not only lucrative for him but also offers a delicious reward for fans. Saunders, whose family boasts a remarkable connection to the Tater Tot’s origins, has partnered with Ore-Ida Potatoes in a promotion that promises free Tater Tots after BYU basketball victories.
The deal leverages Saunders’ family history. His great-grandfather, F. Nephi Grigg, was a co-founder of Ore-Ida and the inventor of the iconic Tater Tot. This lineage recently gained national attention during last week’s Big 12 tournament when a social media post highlighting Saunders’ family connection went viral.
Now, Ore-Ida is capitalizing on this unique story and Saunders’ growing popularity. The company announced the NIL deal via X (formerly Twitter), stating, “We’re teaming up with basketball hotshot Richie Saunders…to give away free tots if Richie’s team wins today. If they win, the countdown for our 30-minute ‘Tot Clock’ will begin at the link in our IG bio post-game!”
To claim their free Tater Tots, fans must register on Ore-Ida’s Instagram account. Following a BYU win, a 30-minute window will open, allowing registered users to redeem their free snack. This innovative approach to NIL deals combines brand promotion with direct fan engagement, offering a tangible reward for supporting both Saunders and the BYU Cougars.
The promotion cleverly ties Saunders’ family legacy to the product, creating a compelling narrative that resonates with consumers. It’s a win-win scenario: Saunders gains financial compensation and brand exposure, while Ore-Ida enjoys increased brand awareness and customer engagement. The free Tater Tots serve as a delicious incentive, further enhancing the appeal of the promotion. This creative NIL deal sets a precedent for future collaborations, showcasing the potential for unique and engaging partnerships in the ever-evolving landscape of college athletics.
