Zach Frazier Donates $5.4 Million to Launch Landmark NIL Fund for West Virginia Athletes
In a bold and unprecedented move, NFL All-Pro offensive lineman and Virginia native Zach Frazier has pledged $5.4 million to establish one of the largest Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) funds in college sports—specifically aimed at supporting student-athletes at West Virginia University. This landmark donation, announced during a packed press conference at Milan Puskar Stadium in Morgantown, has sent shockwaves through the world of collegiate athletics.
Frazier, who starred as a four-year starter at West Virginia University before being drafted 13th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers, is using his newfound platform to invest in the future of the program that shaped him. The fund, named the Mountaineer Legacy NIL Collective, aims to provide equitable financial opportunities for athletes across all sports, not just the high-profile football and basketball teams.
“I remember scraping together change for a protein shake after practice,” Frazier said, standing at a podium flanked by current WVU athletes and administrators. “This is about dignity. It’s about rewarding hard work. And it’s about giving these young men and women a real shot at using their talents—not just on the field, but in life.”
The Mountaineer Legacy NIL Collective will operate independently but in close partnership with the university. It plans to offer athletes performance-based incentives, brand partnership facilitation, media training, and community outreach stipends. Early projections suggest over 300 WVU athletes could benefit annually, with football, women’s soccer, track & field, and men’s wrestling among the first programs slated for support.
Frazier’s donation dwarfs other NIL contributions from individual athletes. At $5.4 million, it’s the single largest athlete-funded NIL initiative in the country to date. More importantly, it’s uniquely inclusive—crafted to support Title IX compliance and ensure female athletes have equal access to marketing and compensation opportunities.
West Virginia Governor Elijah Monroe praised the move, calling it “a transformative act of leadership that sets a new national standard for how pro athletes can give back to their communities.”
Frazier, who has long spoken about his roots in the Appalachian region, emphasized the personal nature of his commitment. “This isn’t just a gift—it’s a promise. A promise that the next Zach Frazier doesn’t have to worry about choosing between buying cleats or eating dinner. I want every Mountaineer to know that they matter.”
Already, major corporate sponsors like Appalachian Power and Mylan Pharmaceuticals have expressed interest in matching Frazier’s contribution through public-private partnerships. The fund is expected to officially begin distribution by fall 2025, with local businesses, alumni, and fans invited to contribute.
What started as a dream forged in the small mining town of Fairmont, WV, has become a beacon of hope for student-athletes across the Mountain State. Zach Frazier isn’t just making history—he’s building a future.
