Northwest Arkansas has a rich history of innovation, and now that pioneering spirit has reached collegiate athletics through Pinnacle Sports Ventures. Founded by Chad Campbell, a lifelong area resident with an extraordinary background spanning banking, professional drag racing management, and automotive sales, PSV represents a revolutionary approach to NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) management for University of Arkansas athletes.

What began as frustration over the chaotic implementation of NIL policies has transformed into a mission-driven enterprise. When track and football standout Jordan Anthony missed NIL opportunities due to systemic failures, Chad recognized that athletes needed more than just sponsorship deals - they needed comprehensive support. "These kids are getting all this money and no one's helping them," he explains with genuine concern. "They don't know how to create an LLC, they don't know how to tag their cars... all the things we take for granted."

PSV distinguishes itself through two mandatory contract provisions: a zero-tolerance code of conduct and required community service, typically with the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank. This reflects Chad's holistic philosophy that developing responsible citizens is as important as securing financial opportunities. A partnership with United Federal Credit Union further ensures athletes receive proper financial education.

The timing couldn't be better, as collegiate athletics undergoes a transformation with the NCAA's $20.5 million NIL salary cap implementation. Chad has assembled an impressive advisory team, including Razorback legends Scotty Thurman and Lee Mayberry, alongside business leaders like Dick Trammel. His selective approach to client recruitment ensures each athlete fits the "PSV mold" of character and commitment.

Perhaps most striking is Chad's authentic passion for making a difference. "I am very blessed," he reflects, "not because of money, but because of the people in Northwest Arkansas who helped make this happen." For athletes seeking representation that values character alongside compensation, Pinnacle Sports Ventures offers something truly groundbreaking in the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics.

More About this Episode

Building Better Athletes, Not Just Bank Accounts: The Rise of Pinnacle Sports Ventures and the Future of NIL in Arkansas

In a world where college athletes are finally gaining the right to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL), the game has changed, but not everyone is equipped to play it well. That’s where Pinnacle Sports Ventures (PSV) steps in.

Founded by Chad Campbell, a lifelong Arkansas native with a deep background in banking, real estate, drag racing, car sales, and now athlete representation, PSV is more than just an NIL agency. It’s a mission-driven venture aimed at building better athletes, not just making bigger paychecks.

From the Drag Strip to the Locker Room: A Non-Traditional Path to Sports Representation

Chad’s story is anything but conventional. His career path has included time as a banker, a Rogers Planning Commissioner, a drag racing team manager, and a top-performing auto dealer. That eclectic background may seem all over the map, but when you look closer, every chapter shares a common theme: relationships, trust, and the ability to see potential in people and ideas.

After a decade managing professional drag racer Rod Fuller, including landing a massive sponsorship deal with Caterpillar and even working with royalty in Abu Dhabi, Chad returned to Arkansas with a clear goal: invest back into his community. What started with selling a car to Razorback basketball player Jalen Williams eventually snowballed into something much bigger.

NIL: Opportunity Meets Chaos

When the NCAA opened the floodgates in 2021 with NIL, athletes could finally earn money legally. But that came with a slew of challenges: lack of financial literacy, unclear regulations, and an overwhelming amount of shady, opportunistic "advisors" jumping into the space.

As Chad puts it, “These kids are getting all this money and no one’s helping them.” That includes basics like creating an LLC, registering a car, or simply understanding how taxes work. Many athletes, some as young as 18, are suddenly handed five- or six-figure deals with no infrastructure to manage them responsibly.

Worse still, NIL collectives and university departments often struggle with alignment. In Fayetteville, Arkansas, for example, conflicting priorities and a lack of communication left athletes like Jordan Anthony, a two-sport Razorback star, without proper NIL support.

That frustration sparked a Facebook post, which sparked a few conversations, which eventually became Pinnacle Sports Ventures.

What Is Pinnacle Sports Ventures?

Pinnacle Sports Ventures (PSV) is a full-service athlete representation and marketing agency, founded to provide more than just access to sponsorship dollars. It’s about:

  • Financial literacy
  • Brand alignment
  • Community involvement
  • Personal mentorship
  • Professional-level representation

PSV doesn’t just chase paychecks; it builds plans. Each athlete who signs with PSV is put into what Chad calls the “PSV mold.” That includes mandatory financial coaching, brand partnerships that align with their values and personalities, and a community give-back component that’s baked into every contract.

Two standout aspects of PSV’s model:

  1. Code of Conduct: Every athlete signs a zero-tolerance code of conduct clause.
  2. Community Service: Each athlete is required to participate in community service, with partnerships already in place, like the one with the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank. If athletes have personal causes they care about, PSV supports that flexibility too.

This isn’t just lip service. It’s part of the brand.

Razorback Royalty: The First Athletes Signed

PSV’s first clients aren’t just random up-and-comers. Chad signed Romani Thurman, daughter of Scotty Thurman, whose legendary shot sealed Arkansas’ 1994 NCAA Championship. Alongside her, Lee Mayberry’s daughter has joined the fold, another move that ties together Razorback history with future potential.

These aren’t just PR stunts; they’re foundational partnerships rooted in trust, values, and long-term planning. Both Scotty and Lee are on PSV’s advisory board, bringing decades of athletic experience and credibility to the table.

United by Purpose: Strategic Partnerships

A major part of PSV’s success is its alignment with organizations that share its values. One of the first big wins: a sponsorship deal with United Federal Credit Union. United will provide financial education and banking tools to PSV athletes, creating a crucial support structure often missing in traditional NIL deals.

This partnership also signals that PSV isn’t looking to do this solo. Chad’s vision involves collaboration with other collectives, brands, and schools, including working directly with the University of Arkansas athletics department to identify athletes in need of representation.

In a time when many NIL agencies are focused on flipping quick commissions, PSV is focused on building a legacy, starting in Arkansas but with eyes on California and Texas next.

Building a Team That Wins

Chad’s not doing this alone. Backed by an impressive advisory board that includes high-level executives, athletic alumni, and community leaders, PSV is structured like a championship team. Among those involved:

  • Chris Harris, a trusted legal advisor
  • Mike Hudson, GM at Pinnacle Country Club
  • Dick Trammel, respected civic leader
  • Chris De Bell, CEO of Pell Athletic
  • Matt Mars, co-host and local business leader

The result? A powerful support system built to mentor and manage athletes through every stage of their career, from NIL deals to potential pro contracts and beyond.

Why Arkansas? Why Now?

While NIL agencies often sprout in places like Los Angeles, New York, or Atlanta, PSV is proudly Arkansas-born and bred. Chad believes that what’s happening in Northwest Arkansas, with the growing sports culture, community focus, and the U of A’s increasing visibility, is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build something sustainable, meaningful, and community-led.

The University of Arkansas is also entering a new era of NIL transparency. Under Remy Caulfield, a former Boston Celtics exec now overseeing NIL efforts, the university has started to enforce clearer guidelines, including:

  • $20.5 million salary cap
  • $2 million reserved for scholarships
  • $18.5 million allocated for football and basketball

That leaves room for third-party agencies like PSV to play a vital role in managing NIL opportunities for athletes in non-revenue sports, like track, gymnastics, swimming, and more.

As Chad notes, “That’s where the free-for-all is. That’s where we fit in.”

The Bigger Picture: Purpose Over Profit

Chad is adamant that PSV is not just a business, it’s a calling. A deeply spiritual person, he attributes the company’s launch and early success to prayer, preparation, and people. He’s clear: this isn’t about chasing cash grabs. It’s about helping young athletes become successful adults, responsible community members, and financially literate professionals.

He’s not afraid to slow down, say no to opportunities, or avoid cutting corners. If an athlete or sponsor doesn’t align with PSV’s core values, it’s not going to happen.

In Chad’s words:

“I’ve worked hard and I know what works. Usually, when you have something like this, greed comes out. And our students are the ones who suffer. That’s not going to happen here.”

What’s Next for PSV?

  • The PSV website is set to launch within weeks, featuring athlete profiles, partnership opportunities, and community impact stories.
  • Expect new athlete announcements, including additional Razorbacks and pro-level signees.
  • PSV will soon expand its geographic footprint to California and Texas, with relationships already forming with coaching staffs and university programs.
  • More local partnerships will be unveiled, connecting Northwest Arkansas businesses directly with student-athletes.

It’s About More Than NIL

NIL is just the beginning. The real mission is to transform the athlete experience, helping them navigate not just contracts, but life.

Financial education, brand alignment, character development, and community service aren't just checkboxes; they're cornerstones.

PSV may have been born from frustration with the system, but it’s growing into one of the most promising solutions in the NIL space. It’s proof that even in a multi-million-dollar industry, relationships still matter, values still count, and you can build something meaningful right in the heart of Arkansas.

And as Chad said best:

“When I knew that if I put all my passion and blessings into my own thing, I could change the world... that's exactly what I’m going to do.”