Spokane, WA (October 4, 2024) – Northern Quest Resort & Casino has signed some exciting new Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deals with Gonzaga University Basketball’s fan favorite forward, Ben Gregg, and Washington State University’s star quarterback John Mateer. As part of the official kickoff of the NIL partnerships, Northern Quest will also roll out new Gonzaga and WSU branded loyalty cards beginning the first week of November. Throughout the month of November, fans can sign up to receive their favorite team branded Camas Card to use throughout the property on hotel stays, food and beverage, entertainment, spa, and gaming. The fanbase that earns the most points by the end of the month will help earn a $10,000 donation toward their school’s collective fund.
Northern Quest, owned and operated by the Kalispel Tribe of Indians, has been a nationwide innovator in the NIL arena since the NCAA paved the way for college athletes to be legally compensated for their own personal brand success in 2021. Northern Quest’s partnership with Gonzaga All-American Drew Timme was one of the first groundbreaking NIL deals for any Native American Casino in the country.
“We’ve been big supporters of Gonzaga and Washington State University athletics for a long time,” says Kalispel Tribal Economic Authority Chief Operating Officer Phil Haugen, “and this is just another opportunity to deepen those relationships. At Northern Quest, we’re proud to always be on the cutting edge when it comes to advertising and marketing. Since the NCAA made changes to the NIL rules for college athletes a few years ago, we’ve been exploring ways to continue supporting our local universities and their hard-working athletes. We’re proud to partner with Ben and John this year, and we’re looking forward to cheering on the Zags as they make a run for the national championship, and the Cougs as they lead the charge of helping redefine the Pac 12.”
Since 2021, Northern Quest has added an impressive roster of student athlete partnerships to its resumé, including Timme, Anton Watson, and Steele Venters from Gonzaga Men’s Basketball, RJ Stone from WSU Football, Casey Jones from EWU Men’s Basketball, Ellie Boni and Jamie Loera from EWU Women’s Basketball, Levi Janacaro from University of Montana Football, Haley Huard from UM Women’s Basketball, Tyson Degenhart from Boise State Men’s Basketball and Riley Smith from Boise State Football.
Gonzaga’s Gregg, a 6’10” 5th year Senior forward from Clackamas, Oregon has earned fan-favorite status in Spokane for his hard work and enthusiastic spirit both on and off the court. Gregg not only earned a starting spot last season, he’s also known for supporting local charitable organizations with volunteer work and guest appearances, alongside his mentor, former Zags guard Rasir Bolton.
“Spokane has welcomed me with open arms,” says Gregg. “This community means a lot to me, so I’ve been excited to give back in any way I can. Ra was my mentor, and I’m just trying to do the same for the newer players coming in. With having two great former Zags partner with Northern Quest in the past few years, it was a huge honor for me to be asked to partner this year. I’m going to do my best to try to carry on that winning legacy now and in the future.”
WSU’s sophomore quarterback John Mateer earned a starting spot with the Cougs this season after a competitive pre-season battle for the leading role, and a promising 4-1 record to start the 2024 season. In four early games, Mateer has passed for nearly 1,500 yards and 13 touchdowns, kicking off an exciting season in the newly imagined Pac 12.
“I grew up in the Dallas, Texas area, not too far from Drew Timme,” says Mateer. “He’s a big name here in Spokane and I’m honored to join the Northern Quest team and be considered in that caliber. The changes in NIL have made it possible for us to represent our teams and still get compensated for our work on and off the field. It’s been a real game changer for student athletes and I’m proud to partner with Northern Quest. Go Cougs!”
Northern Quest will continue to seek additional opportunities to support talented local college athletes when NIL partnerships align with its brand. “We’re excited to continue to be on the forefront of NIL marketing in the Pacific Northwest,” says Northern Quest General Manager Nick Pierre. “The true integration of our brand with the teams our loyal players support makes sense for the continued growth of our business, and it’s a great way to support our student athletes and their universities at the same time. It’s the way NIL partnerships were meant to be.”