Welcome to Dayton 6th
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
26 October 2022 — Dayton, Ohio — Today, Dayton 6th announces the launch of a fan club designed exclusively for the Flyer Faithful to support University of Dayton student-athletes. Operating as a sports marketing agency, Dayton 6th represents athletes, brands, and loyal fans in partnership opportunities under the transformation of name, image, and likeness (“NIL”).
For nearly a century, the most distinguished feature of the Dayton basketball program has been the long-term, sustainable support from the community and its fan base — the Flyer Faithful.
The world of college athletics is in a period of constant change with several significant shifts to the landscape taking place at one time. One of the most significant impacts of this landscape shift came with the introduction of name, image, and likeness compensation for student-athletes. To date, men’s and women’s basketball student-athletes have been able to capitalize on NIL by working with local business and community partners. These NIL opportunities have directly compensated student-athletes (both as individuals and in small groups) who wear the Dayton Flyers logo on their uniforms.
“Since the inception of NIL, the team at Dayton 6th has engaged with countless season ticket holders while supporting and advising companies across the Dayton region with various marketing activations, appearances, autograph sessions, and more,” said Matt Farrell, Director, Dayton 6th. “Each of these engagements have provided great insights on the aspects of student-athlete marketing that resonate most with the Flyer Faithful.”
While local business and community partners have directly compensated Dayton athletes for advertisements or promotions and personal appearances, it is time for every alumnus and fan to participate, even those without businesses.
This is why Dayton 6th was formed.
“As the landscape of college athletics continues to shift, we must continue to adapt and support in new ways,” said George Janky (‘70), Dayton 6th Men’s Basketball Alumni Advisor. “The way to meet the current challenge is do what the Flyer Faithful have always done, unite fans together for advancement of our program.”
All investments in Dayton 6th allow for direct compensation for student-athletes for their engagement across our community in a legal and compliant manner. Whether being paid to sign autographs to be mailed to Dayton 6th contributors, or visiting local non-profit organizations, or promoting regional philanthropic initiatives, or hosting youth basketball clinics and camps, Dayton Flyers men’s and women’s basketball players will directly earn compensation thanks to generous contributions to Dayton 6th.
“As I said when we did the first NIL deal for the men’s basketball players, I want to continue to be a resource for the players because I’m part of the Flyer family and Dayton basketball holds a special place in my heart,” said Brian Roberts (‘08), Dayton 6th Men’s Basketball Alumni Advisor. “I want to continue to see the university and the players thrive. Dayton 6th is a natural extension of the success Dayton basketball has seen with NIL and now, we have a platform that allows fans to invest in our players in a meaningful way.”
The concept of the Dayton 6th is simple and creative: “sell out” a make-believe game “against” NIL and in support of our beloved Dayton Flyers. Each season, the Flyer Faithful support student-athletes by cheering for every three-pointer, dunk, and win; now we are asking for a contribution to help them win off the court, as well.
What does that mean? We need every member of the Flyer Faithful to support the purchase of at least one “Dayton 6th ticket” each season, starting today.
“Dayton basketball has so many unparalleled traditions, but none greater than the way our fans embrace and support our basketball players - and I can speak to that firsthand,” said Keith Waleskowski (‘04), Dayton 6th Men’s Basketball Alumni Advisor. “The launch of Dayton 6th provides the Flyer Faithful an avenue to show up again in a way that allows Dayton student-athletes to continue to compete at an elite level in an ever-changing collegiate athletics landscape.”
With last week’s news of the 2022-2023 men’s basketball season “sell out”, the longstanding history of the Flyer Faithful support of the basketball programs through ticket sales has never been more evident. As noted by Vice President and Director of Athletics, Neil Sullivan in the sellout press release, “The community's long-standing support of our players and coaches over decades is the hallmark of our program… As college sports experiences a period of generational and fundamental change, we are more thankful for our fans' extraordinary support and partnership than ever."
A history of fan support — packed arenas and sellout crowds:
When it opened in 1950, the Fieldhouse on the University of Dayton campus had a capacity of 5,500 — more than twice the size of the University’s student population. But times change, as they always do. Enrollment at the University grew but the passion for Dayton Flyers basketball grew exponentially as the quality of the Dayton Flyers men’s basketball team took flight. The Fieldhouse routinely “sold out” at nearly 5,600, substantially more than the stated capacity.
In 1969, the UD Arena opened its doors, and since that first game, the Dayton Flyers have been in the Top 35 for men’s basketball attendance EVERY. SINGLE. SEASON. In fact, 32 times over the last 50 years, UD Arena has ranked in the NCAA`s Top 25 for attendance. Decade after decade, each game played at UD Arena draws 13,000+ of America’s most passionate college basketball fans.
Now, it’s time for the Flyer Faithful to support at an unparalleled level again, this time directly in support of the players…
Questions about Dayton 6th or NIL?
Who will ensure that the players receive the money legally?
An advisory board has been created to ensure the compliance under federal, state, and NCAA rules as well as University policy. Each advisory board member has a history of deep trust with the University, a track record of positive relationships with student-athletes (past and present), and is a high integrity individual, able to connect directly to the community’s interests.
