Visit Sarasota County Announces NIL Deal with Local 2024 Olympic Swim Team Member

July 19, 2024 | Sarasota

Visit Sarasota County (VSC) is proud to announce the signing of its first-ever Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal with 2024 USA Olympic Swim Team member, Olympic medalist and native of Sarasota, Emma Weyant. This groundbreaking partnership highlights Sarasota County’s commitment to promoting local talent and fostering community pride through sports and tourism.

Fresh off her impressive performance at the US Olympic Swim Trials, Weyant was named to the 2024 USA Olympic Swim Team to compete in the Paris Olympics in the 400m Individual Medley. It will be a return to the same event in which she captured the hearts of millions with her impressive performance at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where she won a silver medal.

A former member of the Sarasota Sharks swim team, Weyant also led the Virginia Cavaliers to an NCAA Team Championship, before transferring to the University of Florida in 2022. She sees herself as role model who embodies the spirit of excellence and dedication, and proudly shares her hometown pride throughout all her competitions.

“We are thrilled to partner with Emma, a true hometown hero, as she represents the U.S. and Sarasota on the world stage this summer,” said Erin Duggan, president and CEO of Visit Sarasota County. “Her achievements and connection to our community make Emma the perfect ambassador for Sarasota. This collaboration will promote our beautiful county and showcase our destination as a training ground for champions.”

Through this NIL deal, Weyant will be featured in Visit Sarasota marketing materials, and on its website and social media, highlighting the area as a premier destination for visitors, sports enthusiasts and sporting events thanks to its unique attractions, beautiful weather, cultural offerings and world-class sports facilities.

“I am honored to represent Sarasota, a place that has always supported me throughout my swimming career,” said Weyant. “This partnership with Visit Sarasota County allows me to give back to the community and share the beauty and opportunities that Sarasota offers with a wider audience.”

The NIL deal with Weyant marks a significant milestone for Visit Sarasota County, setting a precedent for future partnerships with local athletes and personalities. By leveraging the power of sports and personal stories, Visit Sarasota aims to strengthen its brand and attract more tourists and sports teams to experience the charm and hospitality of the region.