PULLMAN, Wash. (Sept. 17, 2025) -- In the continuing efforts to bolster the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) program, Washington State Athletics is pleased to announce the additions of Nick Garner and Jake Murdach to help support Cougar student-athletes.
 
Garner, who previously had served as WSU's Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Experience, returns to the athletic landscape as the Director of Playfly Max, under WSU's new multi-media rights holder, Playfly. Garner is not new to the NIL landscape, having served as the Director of Student-Athlete Innovation for WSU, the first full-time NIL position at WSU, where he worked with the Cougar Collective, businesses, and provided education to student-athletes around NIL issues.
 
Murdach arrives in Pullman as the Director of NIL Services, a position within WSU Athletics dedicated solely to NIL enhancement for Cougar student-athletes. Murdach joined the Cougars from the University of Louisville, where he was part of the Athlete Con NIL Program of the Year for 2024. He also helped implement the NIL Store storefront in KFC YUM! Center in Louisville while educating more than 500 student-athletes on current NIL trends.
 
Washington State Athletics has been pursuing NIL opportunities for its student‑athletes since 2021, when NCAA legislation permitted student‑athletes to capitalize on their NIL. Additionally, since 2022, the Cougar Collective has brought together fans, alumni, and businesses to fund and create fair‑market‑value NIL brand endorsement opportunities for student‑athletes. In January of this year, WSU Athletics announced a partnership to make the Cougar Collective the official Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) collective of Cougar Athletics.