Datavault AI Inc. (NASDAQ: DVLT) announced that former Major League Baseball pitcher Dwight “Doc” Gooden has signed as a brand ambassador for Datavault NILX, the company’s name, image and likeness (“NIL”) exchange platform. Under the agreement, Gooden will produce at least 10 original videos, participate in promotional activities and receive a share of revenue generated by his content, while Datavault AI will provide platform support, activity tracking, attribution and payment administration.
The company said NILX is designed to enable athletes and other public figures to monetize and maintain an ongoing stake in the value generated by their name, image and likeness through measurable and auditable engagement. Gooden joins the platform ahead of its commercial launch as Datavault AI continues expanding its portfolio of specialized data exchange platforms and expects to announce additional ambassador and content agreements.
This partnership highlights the growing trend of athletes leveraging blockchain and data exchange technologies to control and profit from their personal brands. For Gooden, a former Cy Young Award winner and World Series champion, the deal offers a new revenue stream beyond traditional endorsements. For Datavault AI, it brings visibility to its NILX platform as it prepares to enter a competitive market where athletes, celebrities, and influencers increasingly seek direct monetization of their digital likeness.
The NIL market has exploded since the NCAA allowed college athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness in 2021, but professional athletes like Gooden are also exploring similar opportunities. Datavault AI’s platform aims to provide transparency through blockchain-based tracking and attribution, addressing concerns about revenue sharing and rights management. The company noted that Gooden’s content will be tracked and his share of revenue automatically administered via the platform.
Datavault AI, headquartered in Philadelphia, operates through two divisions: Acoustic Sciences, which includes WiSA and ADIO technologies for spatial audio, and Data Sciences, which focuses on Web 3.0 data valuation and monetization. The NILX platform falls under its Data Sciences division, which also includes the Information Data Exchange for digital twins and asset licensing.
Investors and industry observers will watch for additional ambassador signings and the commercial launch of NILX, which could set a precedent for how athletes and public entities manage their digital assets. For more information, visit the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/DVLT or the full press release at https://ibn.fm/XEXWI.
