The Futures Forum: Empowering Tomorrow's Stars and Connecting Brands with Rising Athletes
Jul 24, 2025
3 min Read
Inside the Futures Forum: Where young athletes learn to build their brands, and where brands connect with tomorrow’s stars.
On June 6-7, an elite group of high school football underclassmen gathered in Lincoln, Nebraska for the inaugural Futures Forum, a two-day event hosted at Hudl HQ.
This wasn’t just another camp or recruiting event that often fills the schedules of these young stars. It was a launchpad for these athletes and their families to gain the tools to stand out in their recruiting journeys. Athletes received professional advice on recruiting and personal development, content creation opportunities and personal brand development sessions.
Brands like Opendorse offered insights on navigating NIL, GNC shared practical nutrition advice, Momentum Labs talked through mental performance and sports psychology, and Hudl experts led sessions on recruitment and performance technology.
This unique environment fostered connection, helping athletes bond with their families, with each other and with leading brands ready to invest in their futures.
The why behind the Futures Forum:
The idea behind the Futures Forum is about more than showcasing and celebrating talent. It’s about equipping athletes with the tools to build their brand, develop their identity and make informed decisions along their path.
We wanted to connect with parents and families that care deeply about their children's paths, navigating the process for the first time, while showing athletes what mentorship and guidance can look like.
Above all, the Futures Forum was built to foster community and identity, helping young athletes see themselves as part of something bigger as they pursue their goals.
The opportunity for brands:
The Futures Forum gave brands like GNC and Opendorse the opportunity to connect with an elite group of athletes before they hit the national spotlight.
By engaging in ways that feel real and personal, brands planted the seeds of authentic connections with motivated, influential young athletes as they grow. It’s an investment that will pay dividends for years to come, as these athletes continue to rise and their influence grows.
Per Nielsen, 70% of teens and their parents expect brands to support them in their passions. By aligning with athletes early on, brands not only meet these expectations but position themselves as trusted partners in their journey.
What we heard from attendees:
Parents deeply appreciated the chance for in-person learning and peer connection. The Futures Forum gave them space to meet other families on the same journey and exchange tips on navigating the recruiting experience.
“My biggest takeaway was the things they could be doing with Opendorse and how the market is working with NIL, and how those things are setting yourself up early,” said parent Steve Warren.
Athletes also found value in the relationships they formed during the event. “I got a lot of great connections from this weekend,” said Top 100 recruit and Nebraska commit Trae Taylor.
These connections extended beyond fellow attendees. Taylor also had the chance to bond with his future teammate, Cornhuskers star quarterback Dylan Raiola, who shared his experiences with attendees.
Why early brand connection matters:
More than any past generation, Gen Z athletes aren’t just competitors—they’re content creators, influencers and community leaders. Their buying power and cultural influence are rising fast.
By joining their journey early, your brand becomes more than a sponsor; it becomes part of their story. This is how you build long-term brand equity, not just short-term impressions.
Hear some of Trae Taylor’s thoughts on the connections he made during the event:
How your brand can get involved:
Want your brand to show up in a way that truly matters? We create brand activations that align with your voice, your goals, and our audience. Let’s build something together.
Contact the Hudl for Brands team today to explore exclusive activation packages that’ll position your brand directly in front of tomorrow’s sports stars.
