DBGI Outlines Expansion Plan for the Estimated $36 Billion NIL College Apparel Market with University of Alabama Partnership as Foothold

Core Viewpoint - Digital Brands Group, Inc. is launching a strategic initiative to expand its presence in the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) college apparel sector, which is part of a global licensed sports merchandise market projected to grow from $36.4 billion in 2024 to $49.0 billion by 2030 [1]. Expansion Strategy & Competitive Positioning - The company has signed an exclusive three-year private label manufacturing agreement with Yea Alabama, the official NIL program of the University of Alabama, allowing DBGI to design, manufacture, and distribute collegiate apparel exclusively through university channels [2]. - The initial product line is available now, with plans for new capsule collections to be released in October, November, and December 2025 [3]. Next Phase - The company aims to replicate the Alabama partnership model with additional universities, offering benefits such as: 1. Private Label Manufacturing Advantage, providing high-quality collegiate apparel at lower prices [4]. 2. Equity Alignment, where universities become equity partners, creating a unique alignment of interests [5]. 3. Support for female student athletes, with 20% of every purchase going to female student athletes through the university's NIL fund [5]. 4. Agility and Consumer Data, enabling faster and trend-responsive collections through a nimble supply chain [6]. About Digital Brands Group - Digital Brands Group operates a variety of apparel brands through both direct-to-consumer and wholesale channels, focusing on a digitally native-first vertical brand model [7].