KU Cancer Center to receive research support from agreement leveraging KU Basketball student-athletes, ShotTracker and the V Foundation
While Kansas is known for many basketball legends, the sport will be a community builder like never before at the University of Kansas this fall. Before a single game tips, Jayhawks will be playing for a new cause — cancer research.
The University of Kansas Cancer Center is poised to be part of a unique Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deal that will benefit cancer research and engage KU basketball student-athletes. Seven KU Men’s and Women’s basketball players will serve as brand ambassadors and engage in a fundraising campaign to fight cancer. Made possible by Kansas City-area company ShotTracker and The V Foundation for Cancer Research, this novel agreement and accompanying campaign launch this week.
“We’re incredibly thankful to The V Foundation for Cancer Research, ShotTracker and KU Athletics for coming together in support of this campaign,” said Dr. Roy Jensen, Vice Chancellor and Director of the KU Cancer Center. “Their generosity and shared belief in the power of cancer research make a real difference. Funding like this fuels the work our scientists do every day and brings us closer to better treatments, earlier detection and, ultimately, cures.”
The seven KU Men’s and Women’s Basketball student-athletes participating are Flory Bidunga, Elle Evans, Elmarko Jackson, Jamari McDowell, Lilly Meister, S’Mya Nichols and Regan Williams. The campaign, known as ’Jayhawks Victory Over Cancer’ runs through December 31. All of the funds raised will go directly to the KU Cancer Center to support research via a grant from The V Foundation for Cancer Research.
The student-athletes will be featured on a variety of channels highlighting their dedication to basketball and to cancer research, all while encouraging donations to the KU Cancer Center through the V Foundation. KU basketball players will use ShotTracker technology to showcase their dedication on the court while inspiring donations that fund lifesaving cancer research.
“In the evolving landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) in intercollegiate athletics, one important element often overshadowed by headlines about large payments is that many NIL efforts support meaningful causes and nonprofits student-athletes are passionate about,” said Davyeon Ross, co-founder and chief executive officer of ShotTracker. “’Jayhawks Victory Over Cancer’ is a powerful example. We’re proud to partner with The University of Kansas Cancer Center, the V Foundation and KU Athletics to create impact through this unique ‘NIL for Good’ program. The return on investment goes far beyond money. It’s about improving the lives of hundreds of cancer patients, setting a new national standard for what NIL can achieve across the country and leveraging innovative technology to drive accountability.”
While soliciting funds for philanthropy is not a new idea, this campaign is harnessing the power of an NIL deal to support cancer research. The idea is that Jayhawk fans everywhere will learn more about the importance of cancer research and support that cause.
“This campaign brings together our athletes, fans, donors and partners — the V Foundation, ShotTracker and Kansas Athletics — for a common cause: advancing cancer research at The University of Kansas Cancer Center,” said Dan Martin, President, KU Endowment. “It’s a powerful example of what we can achieve when we unite through philanthropy.”
The V Foundation for Cancer Research, in operation since 1993, is named for Jim Valvano, the legendary North Carolina State University men’s basketball coach, ESPN commentator and member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The V Foundation has funded nearly $400 million in game-changing cancer research grants in North America through a competitive process strictly supervised by a world-class Scientific Advisory committee.
“This is a powerful collaboration, and the V Foundation is proud to partner with the University of Kansas Athletics, ShotTracker, and the KU Cancer Center,” said Susanna Greer, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer of the V Foundation. “The V Foundation funds bold, innovative cancer research at the top research centers nationwide to make a long-lasting impact. When Jayhawk athletes and fans unite, they are empowering the best and brightest scientists at the KU Cancer Center. Their support is critical to accelerate Victory Over Cancer® by driving discoveries, improving care and ultimately saving lives.”
A nationally recognized leader in the fight to treat and cure cancer, the KU Cancer Center is working to bring elite cancer research and care to Kansas. “Our vision is for The University of Kansas Cancer Center to be a beacon of hope and a global destination for both those with cancer and for scientists and clinicians seeking to cure cancer,” said Dr. Jensen. “Patients treated at National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers have a 25% greater chance of survival compared to other cancer centers because of the enhanced relationship between patient care and research. Supporting the work here will benefit not just Kansas but the entire region.”
“We are proud to be a part of this amazing initiative to help the fight against cancer by joining our great partners including ShotTracker, the KU Cancer Center and the V Foundation,” said Jason Booker, Deputy Athletics Director for the University of Kansas Athletics. “This initiative is in direct alignment with one of our core community engagement pillars through ’Jayhawks for A Cure‘ related to cancer awareness. It’s a perfect fit to use our platforms to showcase the impact that the KU Cancer Center has on our region.”
