TheLinkU Acquires Sam Green University and AthleteCon
The platform expands its athlete education and NIL services through the acquisition of these two prominent organizations.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Higher Education
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TheLinkU has completed its acquisition of Sam Green University and AthleteCon to bolster its athlete branding and NIL services. Sam Green, the founder of the acquired businesses, will continue to lead the entities under TheLinkU umbrella.
Why it matters
This merger aims to integrate personal branding workshops and professional development services into TheLinkU platform. The move allows for the expansion of athlete support services as the NIL landscape continues to evolve for collegiate players.
AthleteCon 3.0 hosted 230 athletes, with women making up 60% of the participants. Sam Green brings a track record of partnering with over 32 athletic departments and working with more than 3,000 NCAA athletes.
The players
TheLinkU
The company is a technology and revenue services platform founded by Austin Elrod in 2022.
Sam Green
He is the founder of Sam Green University and AthleteCon who will lead both businesses within the new parent organization.
Austin Elrod
He is the founder of TheLinkU who established the platform in 2022.
The details
TheLinkU will incorporate SGU services into its existing revenue platform to provide athletes with workshops on brand building and sponsor management. Plans include transitioning AthleteCon into a year-round development resource that offers new certifications and financial support.
Timeline
TheLinkU was originally founded in 2022.
The acquisition was officially announced on October 28, 2026.
Culture Shift
This acquisition capitalizes on the rapid maturation of the collegiate athlete branding market following the introduction of the NCAA Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) guidance. The shift reflects a growing demand for centralized professional development services as athletes increasingly manage their own commercial presence.
Athletes in the Houston area and across the country will gain access to a more comprehensive suite of digital workshops and financial support tools. These services are designed to simplify the process of fulfilling sponsor obligations and building a long-term personal brand.
The takeaway
Student-athletes can leverage professional branding tools to navigate their career opportunities more effectively in the current sports climate. Early engagement in personal branding and professional workshops can significantly improve an athlete's ability to secure NIL deals and internship roles.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in Higher Education.
More information
For more details on the platform, visit the TheLinkU services information page.
Live Poll
Do you believe NIL programs help college athletes build valuable professional skills beyond their time on campus?
