In a move that really shows how college sports are changing, Malik Washington—Maryland Terrapins’ starting quarterback—just signed a pretty unique NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deal. He’s teaming up with two local legends: Pepsi and Ledo Pizza.
This 360 partnership isn’t just about Malik’s skills on the field. It’s also about bringing together Maryland Athletics, Pepsi, and Ledo Pizza in one big marketing push.
The goal? To make game days even better for fans while shining a light on local pride and community vibes.
The Power of Local Partnerships
Malik’s deal with Pepsi and Ledo Pizza really shows what can happen when local brands work together. Both companies have been part of the University of Maryland scene for ages.
Pepsi’s everywhere in Maryland Athletics venues, and Ledo Pizza has been a go-to at SECU Stadium for years. Now, with Malik at the center, the hope is to ramp up the energy even more at Terrapin football games.
Malik Washington: A Local Hero
Malik’s from Glen Burnie, MD, and he brings that hometown energy to everything he does. His roots in the community and his star power make him a natural fit for both Pepsi and Ledo Pizza.
He’s genuinely excited about the partnership—he even said there’s nothing better on game day than a cold Pepsi and a hot slice of Ledo Pizza. Hard to argue with that.
A Comprehensive Marketing Campaign
This NIL deal isn’t your typical endorsement. It’s a full-on, multi-channel campaign that covers social media, in-stadium branding, and content shot in Malik’s full Terrapin uniform at SECU Stadium.
He’ll be making official content in Maryland gear, popping up in stadium activations, and even bringing his own pizza creation to the concessions lineup.
If you’re at SECU Stadium, you can grab Ledo Pizza “Malik’s Way”—any classic pie loaded up with Hot Honey. That’s available all season long at stadium Ledo Pizza spots.
Social Media and In-Stadium Branding
The campaign leans into social media to connect with fans and keep the partnership front and center. Malik’s going to be all over their feeds, tying together his story with Pepsi and Ledo Pizza.
Inside the stadium, branding will be everywhere, so fans won’t miss it. Whether it’s pregame tailgates or the buzz during the game, the goal is to make the whole experience more fun and memorable.
The Role of One Maryland NIL Agency
This whole collaboration was put together by One Maryland, the in-house NIL agency for Maryland student-athletes. They played a big part in getting Maryland Athletics, Pepsi, and Ledo Pizza on the same page.
Mandy Allendorfer, Executive Director of One Maryland NIL, pointed out that this deal really shows what’s possible when Athletics, the NIL program, and big brands work together.
Setting a Blueprint for Future NIL Deals
With this partnership, there’s a real chance for more deals like it at Maryland and maybe even beyond. One Maryland wants to help student-athletes get more opportunities while also building strong ties with corporate partners.
Promoting Local Eats with Pepsi
Pepsi’s “Local Eats Deserve Pepsi” platform is all about celebrating local restaurants across the country. Here, the partnership with Ledo Pizza shines a light on a College Park favorite.
The campaign’s pushing the #PizzaDeservesPepsi message and trying to get folks hyped for game day. By teaming up with Malik, Pepsi’s showing it cares about the community and wants to support local spots.
Building Excitement for Gameday
This partnership is really about making game days better for everyone. Fans can try Malik’s pizza creation, join in stadium events, and just get more out of the whole experience.
It’s a win for local businesses and for Terrapin football fans who want something a little extra on game day.
Conclusion
Malik Washington’s NIL deal with Pepsi and Ledo Pizza really stands out in the world of college athletics. It’s not every day you see such a partnership that brings together Maryland Athletics, Pepsi, and Ledo Pizza.
This campaign isn’t just about marketing—it’s about making the gameday experience better and celebrating local pride. Washington, being a proud Terp and DMV native, feels like a natural fit as the face of it all.
Want to dig deeper into this partnership? Check out the official announcement on the Maryland Athletics website.
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