For our fifth episode of The Royalty Report, powered by Nexus Licensing Group, we sat down with Dan Butterly, Commissioner of The Big West Conference, to discuss what it takes to build a unified conference identity while honoring the unique brands and traditions of each member institution.

Throughout the conversation, Dan shares insights from his leadership experience across the Big West, Mountain West, and Missouri Valley Conferences, offering perspective on conference branding, navigating the challenges of rebranding in a competitive landscape, and the development of the Big West's "Only the Bold" identity.

Background on The Royalty Report, powered by Nexus Licensing Group

The Royalty Report was created to spark meaningful conversations with leaders across the collegiate licensing space. Hosted by KC Smurthwaite of Athletics Admin, the series delivers informative and engaging discussions centered on topics and trends within the collegiate licensing landscape.

The series is produced by Nexus Licensing Group, a collegiate licensing agency founded in 2019 and headquartered in Rochester, NY, with satellite offices in Phoenix, AZ and Boston, MA. Nexus was built to provide a more custom, hands-on approach to license representation within the collegiate marketplace.

Learn more about the Big West Conference at https://bigwest.org

Learn more about Nexus Licensing Group at ⁠https://nexuslicensinggroup.com⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠@Nexus Licensing Group⁠

Instagram: ⁠@nexuslicensinggroup⁠

For our fourth episode of The Royalty Report, powered by Nexus Licensing Group, we sat down with Calvin Claggett, Assistant Commissioner for External Affairs and Marketing at the Atlantic 10 Conference, and Jared Bickel, Director of Customer Relations at Bespoken Spirits, to discuss the successful activation of The Aurelian Reserve.

Created to commemorate the Atlantic 10 Conference’s 50th Anniversary, The Aurelian Reserve is a licensed bourbon that celebrates the conference’s rich history while showcasing the power of strategic partnerships. Calvin and Jared share insights into the collaboration, execution, and brand alignment that helped bring the initiative to life.

Background on The Royalty Report, powered by Nexus Licensing Group

The Royalty Report was created to spark meaningful conversations with leaders across the collegiate licensing space. Hosted by KC Smurthwaite of Athletics Admin, the series delivers informative and engaging discussions centered on topics and trends within the collegiate licensing landscape.

The series is produced by Nexus Licensing Group, a collegiate licensing agency founded in 2019 and headquartered in Rochester, NY, with satellite offices in Phoenix, AZ and Boston, MA. Nexus was built to provide a more custom, hands-on approach to license representation within the collegiate marketplace.

Learn more about the Atlantic 10 Conference at https://atlantic10.com/index.aspx

Learn more about Bespoken Spirits at https://bespokenspirits.com

Buy the Aurelian Reserve at https://bespokenspirits.com/products/a10-aurelian-reserve

Learn more about Nexus Licensing Group at ⁠https://nexuslicensinggroup.com⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠Nexus Licensing Group⁠

Instagram: ⁠@nexuslicensinggroup⁠

For our third episode of The Royalty Report, powered by Nexus Licensing Group, we sat down with Chris Jaeger, Director of Strategic Relationships at Club Colors, to discuss branding across multiple entities, building meaningful relationships, and creating impactful partner experiences.

Club Colors specializes in branded merchandise, apparel, and promotional products that help institutions strengthen and elevate their brand identity.

Background on The Royalty Report, powered by Nexus Licensing Group

The Royalty Report was created to spark meaningful conversations with leaders across the collegiate licensing space. Hosted by KC Smurthwaite of Athletics Admin, the series delivers informative and engaging discussions centered on topics and trends within the collegiate licensing landscape.

The series is produced by Nexus Licensing Group, a collegiate licensing agency founded in 2019 and headquartered in Rochester, NY, with satellite offices in Phoenix, AZ and Boston, MA. Nexus was built to provide a more custom, hands-on approach to license representation within the collegiate marketplace.

Learn more about Club Colors at https://www.clubcolors.com

Learn more about Nexus Licensing Group at ⁠https://nexuslicensinggroup.com⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠Nexus Licensing Group⁠

Instagram: ⁠@nexuslicensinggroup⁠

Episode Background

In the second episode of The Royalty Report, powered by Nexus Licensing Group, we sat down with the Mid-American Conference’s Deputy Commissioner/COO Chris Turner and Blue 84’s Collegiate Licensing Manager Matt Boeke to explore how both conferences and licensees capitalize on hot market moments. The conversation also dives into their roles in driving revenue generation, as well as how the MAC has built novelty within its brand—highlighting initiatives like MACtion and Fly The Flag.

Background on The Royalty Report (powered by Nexus Licensing Group)

The Royalty Report was created to spark meaningful conversations with leaders across the collegiate licensing space. Hosted by KC Smurthwaite of Athletics Admin, the series delivers informative and engaging discussions centered on topics and trends within the collegiate licensing landscape.

The series is produced by Nexus Licensing Group, a collegiate licensing agency founded in 2019 and headquartered in Rochester, NY, with satellite offices in Phoenix, AZ and Boston, MA. Nexus was built to provide a more custom, hands-on approach to license representation within the collegiate marketplace.

Learn more about the Mid-American Conference at https://getsomemaction.com

Learn more about Blue 84 at https://blue84.com

Learn more about Nexus Licensing Group at https://nexuslicensinggroup.com⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠Nexus Licensing Group⁠

Instagram: ⁠@nexuslicensinggroup⁠

Episode Background

In the inaugural episode of The Royalty Report, powered by Nexus Licensing Group, Cal State Monterey Bay Athletic Director —Kirby Garry joined us to discuss the impact of CSUMB’s recent brand refresh.

Cal State Monterey Bay underwent a brand refresh in April 2025, ushering in a new era for Otters Athletics. Athletic Director Kirby Garry played a key role in the project from start to finish. In this episode, he shares insights on his professional background, his long tenure with the Otters, and the extensive collaboration and effort required to execute a project as significant as a full brand refresh.

Background on The Royalty Report (powered by Nexus Licensing Group)

The Royalty Report was created to spark meaningful conversations with leaders across the collegiate licensing space. Hosted by KC Smurthwaite of Athletics Admin, the series delivers informative and engaging discussions centered on topics and trends within the collegiate licensing landscape.

The series is produced by Nexus Licensing Group, a collegiate licensing agency founded in 2019 and headquartered in Rochester, NY, with satellite offices in Phoenix, AZ and Boston, MA. Nexus was built to provide a more custom, hands-on approach to license representation within the collegiate marketplace.

Learn more about the Otters at https://otterathletics.com/index.aspx

Learn more about Nexus Licensing Group at https://nexuslicensinggroup.com

LinkedIn: Nexus Licensing Group

Instagram: @nexuslicensinggroup