PHILADELPHIA, PA — Datavault AI Inc. (Nasdaq: DVLT) signed former Major League Baseball star Darryl Strawberry as a brand ambassador for its planned NIL Vault exchange, adding a nationally recognized athlete ahead of the platform’s commercial launch.
Under a services agreement dated June 23, Strawberry will produce promotional content and participate in marketing activities for the name, image and likeness platform. He will receive a share of revenue attributed to that content, according to the company.
Datavault AI will provide onboarding, operational support, activity tracking and revenue-share administration. The company did not disclose the agreement’s financial terms or the platform’s expected launch date.
The arrangement is intended to demonstrate how NIL Vault will measure content engagement and distribute revenue to athletes and other public figures whose names and likenesses generate commercial value.
Chief Executive Officer Nathaniel T. Bradley framed the platform as an alternative to traditional endorsement arrangements in which athletes receive a one-time payment without sharing in subsequent revenue.
“We want athletes to hold a measurable, auditable position in what their name, image and likeness generates,” Bradley stated.
Strawberry was selected first overall in the 1980 amateur draft and won the National League Rookie of the Year award in 1983. He made eight consecutive All-Star teams, hit 335 home runs during 17 major league seasons and won four World Series championships.
The New York Mets retired Strawberry’s No. 18 in 2024. Since ending his playing career, he has also spoken publicly about addiction and recovery through work with his wife, Tracy.
Datavault AI plans to market NIL Vault beyond college athletics, where much of the recent investment in NIL infrastructure has been concentrated.
The company cited research from Opendorse projecting the broader NIL market will reach $2.75 billion during the 2025-26 academic year and $3.15 billion by 2028-29. Those estimates include spending tied to college athletes, brands and fans.
Strawberry joins the platform before commercial operations begin. Datavault AI indicated that additional ambassador and content agreements are expected as development continues.
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