Testudo Inks Historic NIL Deal with Brown Boy Nation

In the ever-changing landscape that NIL has brought to college athletics, it’s no longer only athletes who get to benefit from their hard work.

Perhaps there isn’t a more dedicated Terp than Testudo, and everyone’s favorite mascot is getting rewarded for it.

Testudo and Brown Boy Nation signed a deal to make clothing that directly benefits the Testudo team. You may have seen Testudo flaunting new shirts at recent basketball and football games.

“We’re excited that we can grow the Testudo brand with merchandise, but also do it in a way that directly benefits the Testudo Team,” a Testudo Team member said. 

College athletics’ favorite Terrapin officially became just the second mascot ever to ink an NIL deal and reap the benefits of passionate fandom, following Syracuse’s Otto The Orange, who signed a deal back in October.

While Testudo is a Terp of few words, a written statement demonstrated the Terps’ vast excitement:

“Seeing my face on a shirt was a dream come true,” Testudo wrote. “My love for this school and these teams is unmatched and I’m so excited that others get to share in my fandom! Go Terps!”
 

Milan Chaudhary is the founder of Brown Boy Nation (BBN) and ran the company on an independent basis until becoming officially licensed with the University of Maryland in September.

Brown Boy Nation exploded onto the scene at College Park when it created the viral “Crab 5” shirts from last year’s men’s basketball season. A Twitter/X account by the name @LimNeeson generated the nickname and College Park embraced it. BBN created the shirts and the rest was history.

Testudo even teamed up with BBN for a t-shirt giveaway against Michigan State last season, sparking the beginning of a fruitful partnership.

“The Testudo NIL deal is one that’s really impactful to me,” Chaudhary said. “The Testudo team has done everything in their power to platform my company and really allow our marking efforts to reach new heights.”

BBN has existing partnerships with several Maryland athletes including football’s Daniel Wingate, men’s soccer’s Stephane Njike and women’s basketball’s Saylor Poffenbarger. Now, Testudo merch can officially be purchased so fans can don the best mascot in sports wherever they go. 

With both Black Friday (BBNFRIDAY for 20% off) and Cyber Monday (BBNCYBER for 18% off) deals on its website, Brown Boy Nation has made the holiday season the perfect time to support Testudo and his unmatched fandom. 

“Testudo is the energy behind our university at every athletic event,” Chaudhary said. “When their team reached out to me and was coming from the desire to generate money so they can have bigger budgeting, that’s something I’d definitely want to help because they’re part of that fuel and fire that we have.”

“I’m a Maryland-owned business,” Chaudhary said. “So keeping everything in the state is something that’s big for me. Vertical integration of business systems is important, ensuring everything flows through the state. We are trying to beat Ohio State in revenue generating, so these Maryland circles are important. Equity is everything.”

The deal is set up just like some athlete NIL deals are. Funds spent on either of the t-shirt options will go to supporting the Testudo Team and helping everyone’s favorite Terp travel and obtain more outfits, because we know that Terp loves to be in style. Testudo is also available to book for events bringing the iconic Terp into your next celebration.