Matai Tagoa’i becomes one of the first college athletes to accept a Bitcoin-based NIL deal by partnering with Strike, House of Victory, and 3Point0 Labs
CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Strike, the global Bitcoin app and USC Linebacker Matai Tagoa’i today launched a historic collaboration that will enable Matai to receive a portion of his NIL earnings in bitcoin. This collaboration positions Matai as one of the first college athletes to embrace Bitcoin for NIL agreements, marking a transformative moment in college athletics and financial innovation.
Matai Tagoa’i, one of California’s top high school recruits and rising star in college football, is opting to receive part of his NIL payments in bitcoin via Strike’s platform, redefining how athletes manage their income. This groundbreaking initiative is facilitated by House of Victory, the official NIL Collective of USC Athletics, and 3Point0 Labs, a pioneering management company.
A New Era for Collegiate Athletics and Financial Empowerment
By leveraging Strike’s services, the collaboration introduces a new era of NIL agreements. Strike’s platform equips athletes like Matai with tools to preserve their earnings in bitcoin. In today’s economic climate, where traditional currencies are increasingly vulnerable to inflation and depreciation, Strike offers an alternative for safeguarding wealth. Through Strike’s “Get Paid in Bitcoin” feature, Matai can receive a direct deposit and seamlessly convert any portion of it into bitcoin, providing a pathway to long-term financial stability in a rapidly changing world.
“I applaud Matai for taking this step,” said Jack Mallers, Founder and CEO of Strike. “Matai isn’t just setting an example for the NIL—he’s inspiring his family, friends, and an entire generation. Inflation is eroding the value of cash, and traditional saving methods simply don’t cut it anymore. If you’re not getting a significant raise every year and saving in dollars, you’re falling behind, and your quality of life will suffer. Bitcoin is the first asset built to solve this problem and protect against inflation. At Strike, we’re committed to providing the best experience for accessing Bitcoin, empowering people to protect, preserve, and grow their wealth, and secure a better financial future. We’re thrilled to support Matai with this initiative and to be part of his journey.”
“This is a game-changer for me,” said Matai Tagoa’i, USC Linebacker. “By taking part of my NIL earnings in bitcoin, I’m setting myself up for long-term financial growth. I’m grateful to Strike, House of Victory, and 3Point0 Labs for helping me take this step. I’m proud to be part of this innovative collaboration that’s redefining the future of college athletics and finance and hope to set an example for other young athletes to think about their financial future.”
House of Victory’s participation in this deal reflects the commitment to preparing athletes for life beyond their sport that permeates the culture at USC. This groundbreaking step empowers USC student-athletes to better protect their financial future.
“House of Victory is proud to be at the forefront of developments in the NIL space and to provide unparalleled access and opportunities for our student-athletes,” said Spencer Harris, House of Victory Executive Director. “We’re proud to help facilitate this arrangement for Matai and help him achieve his goals on and off the field.”
Facilitating the partnership is 3Point0 Labs, founded by Marquel Martin, a former agent at Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and a trailblazer in athlete representation. During his tenure at CAA, Martin represented some of the biggest names in combat sports and became the first agent to secure bitcoin payments for Francis Ngannou in 2021. Now, through 3Point0 Labs, he is committed to integrating Bitcoin to help athletes build long-term wealth.
“Too many athletes face financial challenges after their careers, and we believe Bitcoin offers a pathway to long-term stability and growth,” said Marquel Martin, Founder and CEO of 3Point0 Labs. “This deal isn’t just about NIL payments; it’s about educating athletes on the power of Bitcoin and empowering them to take control of their financial futures. Cory Levin, Director of NIL at 3Point0 Labs, added “We don’t just sign talent, we recruit athletes who are focused on building brands that transcend their playing careers. MATAI’s openness to this opportunity speaks volumes about his character and forward-thinking mindset.”
Strike continues to lead the charge in bitcoin adoption across industries. It was the first company to enable athletes, including superstar running back Saquon Barkley and 2x Pro Bowl offensive tackle Russel Okung, to receive their earnings in bitcoin. With Strike, customers can securely and seamlessly buy and manage their bitcoin, get paid in bitcoin, pay bills with bitcoin, and more.
About Strike
Strike is the global Bitcoin app. It’s the simple, fast, and secure way to buy Bitcoin and send money globally. Strike is available in over 100 countries, including the U.S., Europe, Latin America, and Africa. Sign up in seconds and start with as little as a cent. Join the future of money. Learn more and get started at Strike.me.
About House of Victory
House of Victory is the Official NIL Collective of USC Athletics. Founded by noteworthy Trojans, House of Victory was built to help attract and retain elite student-athletes by providing NIL opportunities to USC student-athletes across all 23 sports. Alumni and fans who pledge their support to House of Victory are committing to continuing the Trojan legacy of excellence. There are three easy ways to get involved: one-time or recurring contributions, tax-deductible donations and corporate sponsorships. Visit the House of Victory website to learn more and follow House of Victory on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.
About 3Point0 Labs
Formed in 2022, 3Point0 Labs is a leading talent management house in the sport and entertainment spaces. 3Point0’s goal is to redefine what global representation should look like by harnessing the power of tech to offer groundbreaking solutions in endorsements, recruitment, branding and marketing as well as provide 360° genuine representation for tomorrow’s talent, brands and leagues. For more information, visit www.3Point0Labs.io.
Contacts
Lavinia Chirico, Strike
Hailey Tucker, House of Victory
Lesley Cerwin, 3Point0 Labs