West Virginia Opens Bold New Era with Gold & Blue Enterprises Partnership
In a seismic move poised to redefine collegiate athletics in Appalachia, West Virginia University (WVU) announced a groundbreaking partnership with Gold & Blue Enterprises, a dynamic new sports management and branding firm rooted in Morgantown. The initiative is more than just business—it’s a full-throttle commitment to elevating Mountaineer athletics into a national powerhouse while embracing the spirit and pride of West Virginia culture.
At a packed press conference in the luxurious confines of Milan Puskar Center, WVU Athletic Director Wren Baker stood alongside Gold & Blue Enterprises founder and CEO, former Mountaineer linebacker Tavon Hill, as they revealed the multi-year strategic alliance. The deal includes everything from NIL facilitation to community outreach, digital content production, and personalized brand development for athletes across all sports.
“This is not just about football. This is about every Mountaineer having the tools to tell their story, build their brand, and thrive—on and off the field,” Baker declared to thunderous applause.
Gold & Blue Enterprises, founded just 18 months ago, has already made waves in the NIL space. With sleek media campaigns, aggressive sponsorship brokering, and a laser focus on Appalachian values, the firm’s rapid rise drew the attention of multiple Power Five programs. But Hill—once a blue-collar kid from Beckley—had one dream: to give back to the state that raised him.
“This isn’t just business,” Hill said. “This is blood. We’re going to make sure West Virginia athletes never get overlooked again. We’re going to make Mountaineer Nation proud.”
The partnership’s first wave of initiatives includes the launch of “Country Roads Collective,” a streaming NIL-focused docuseries following student-athletes, and “Mountaineer Made,” a business incubator for athletes seeking to start apparel lines, podcasts, and more. Additionally, Gold & Blue Enterprises will oversee curated athlete content across social media platforms and train athletes on media engagement and financial literacy.
Already, athletes are buzzing. WVU quarterback Donovan Hale, a projected Big 12 breakout star, called the initiative a “game-changer.”
“Gold & Blue is giving us a voice, a platform, and real opportunities. I’m from Charleston—I’ve seen what a little belief and support can do. This is the future.”
Behind the scenes, boosters, alumni, and state officials have reportedly pledged over $7.5 million in seed funding to support Gold & Blue Enterprises’ first two years of programming. Meanwhile, rival programs in the Big 12 are watching nervously as WVU becomes a blueprint for regional athletic empowerment.
More than a press release, this partnership is a movement—a bold fusion of sports, identity, and opportunity.
As Tavon Hill put it: “We’re not just building brands. We’re building legacy. And West Virginia’s time is now.”
