Rivals. Rods. Records. The Ultimate College Fishing Showdown.

Rivals. Rods. Records. The Ultimate College Fishing Showdown.
Get ready for the most electric NIL event of the year — The InvitatioNIL, where fierce college rivals take their battle to the water. On May 1st and 2nd, 2026 on the historic St. John's River in Palatka, FL, legends will be made — not on the field, but in the bass capital of the world. The InvitatioNIL will play host to: The University of Alabama, Auburn University, Florida State University, The University of Florida, The University of Georgia, Georgia Tech and the University of Central Florida!
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Your Bucket-List Experience Awaits
Fish with Stars
Spend an unforgettable day casting alongside your favorite college athletes and coaches, from gridiron greats to future pros.
Epic Weigh-In
Experience the thrill as teams battle for bragging rights and championships are decided by ounces.
Riverside Concert
When the fishing ends, the celebration begins with a headliner concert that will light up the night.
Cast for Cash. Battle for Bragging Rights.
Compete Against Rivals
Face off against top programs from across the Southeast in a high-stakes showdown for the InvitatioNIL Championship.
Generate NIL Revenue
Auction exclusive fishing experiences to donors and share in tournament revenue distribution for your athletes.
Build Brand Equity
Deepen fan loyalty through unforgettable, one-on-one experiences that transcend traditional NIL activations.
Participating Universities:
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Hook Your Brand to the Hottest Fan Experience Event in America
23.8M
Social Reach
Combined following across participating schools and athletes
330K+
Undergrads
Students across all participating universities
100%
Engagement
Fan passion for this unique, high-energy competition

Not Just an Event. A Celebration
NIL Fundraising
Generate substantial support for student-athletes through a fresh, exciting platform that connects directly with passionate fans.
Media Exposure
National TV coverage and digital broadcast bring unprecedented visibility to participating athletes, schools, and sponsors.
Fan Connection
Create lifetime memories as supporters interact with their heroes in an intimate, authentic setting unlike any other NIL event.
Community Impact
Elevate the local Putnam County community while showcasing Florida's natural beauty and outdoor sporting heritage.
Sponsorship Opportunities That Deliver
Premium Boat Wraps
Your brand prominently featured on tournament vessels seen by millions through broadcast and social media.
Concert Integration
On-stage visibility during the headliner performance with branded moments and exclusive VIP experiences.
Digital Domination
Targeted content creation with participating athletes, delivering authentic engagement with Gen Z and millennial fans.
Hospitality Access
Entertain key clients with exclusive access to athletes, coaches, and premium viewing areas throughout the event.
What Makes The InvitatioNIL Different
Experiential Excellence
Beyond autographs and photos – real, shared adventures with sports heroes
Rivalry Reimagined
Traditional college rivalries playing out in an entirely new competitive arena
Revenue Revolution
Innovative funding model that maximizes return for athletes and schools
Off-Season Engagement
Maintaining fan passion and school pride year-round
Secure Your Spot – Strictly Limited Availability
Fan Experience Packages:  experiences@theinvitationil.com
Fish with your favorite player, coach or celebrity from your school. This is a bucket-list, once-in-a-lifetime chance to make memories. Tournament entrants are limited to 12 per university making this an ultra exclusive experience. Day passes are available for sale to experience the weigh-in ceremony and celebration concert. Interested in fishing the event? entry@theinvitationil.com
School Participation:  teams@theinvitationil.com
Limited to 7 premier college programs. Each school is allowed 12 tournament entrants, branded merchandise opportunities, and a share of all revenue generated through ticket sales and sponsorships. More info: schools@theinvitationil.com
Corporate Sponsorships: sponsors@theinvitationil.com
Tiered packages ranging from supporting partnerships to title sponsorship with complete category exclusivity. Custom activations available to align with specific marketing objectives. More info: sponsors@theinvitationil.com
Event Info: May 1st and 2nd , 2026 Palatka, FL
Registration opens July 1, 2025. School entrants finalized by January 31, 2026. Athlete-fan pairings announced January 2026. Tournament day: February 28, 2026 at Lakepoint State Park. Eufaula, AL 36027