Iowa’s Swarm Collective creates avenue for donors to support athletes in all 22 Hawkeye sports

IOWA CITY — Iowa’s Swarm Collective will now accept donations for athletes in any of the Hawkeyes’ 22 intercollegiate sports, it announced Thursday morning.

The name, image and likeness collective’s financial support was previously exclusive to football, men’s basketball and women’s basketball since its founding in July 2022.

Those who either make a $1,000-plus one-time donation or a $100-plus recurring monthly donation can now earmark their gift toward any Iowa sport.

“We are thrilled to be able to expand this opportunity to athletes in all 22 Hawkeye sports programs at Iowa and continue to contribute to their success on and off the field of play,” Swarm founder and CEO Brad Heinrichs said in a news release.

The Swarm Collective raises money for Hawkeye athletes through monthly memberships and larger one-time or recurring donations. Athletes receive the NIL money as compensation for community service.

The expanded scope of Swarm is unlikely to dilute how much money goes to football and basketball athletes. Monthly membership dues will continue to exclusively support football, men’s basketball and women’s basketball, Heinrichs said in a text message to The Gazette.

“We truly appreciate those who have contributed to the Swarm Collective and are excited about the opportunity for all Hawkeye student-athletes to benefit from NIL,” Iowa interim athletics director Beth Goetz said in a news release.

Comments: john.steppe@thegazette.com