NIL collectives have emerged as the new fundraising vehicle to pay student-athletes at local universities. In the Inland Northwest, there are two major collectives: the Zags Collective, representing Gonzaga University men's and women's basketball athletes, and the Cougar Collective which raises funds for Washington State University athletes.
On a sunny Monday afternoon in northwest Spokane, a steady flow of people browse the aisles at River Ridge Hardware store, where customers of all ages shop.