UNC’s Seth Trimble Turns NIL Success Into Ownership: Buys Ben & Jerry’s Franchise in Chapel Hill
North Carolina guard Seth Trimble has taken his name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities in a direction few college athletes have considered: franchise ownership. The Tar Heel standout has officially become the owner of a Ben & Jerry’s ice cream shop in Chapel Hill, turning his NIL earnings into a long-term business investment.
Trimble, who has shown flashes of athletic brilliance on the court, is now proving that he has equal talent off the court as a budding entrepreneur. While most college athletes focus their NIL ventures on sponsorships, apparel collaborations, or social media promotions, Trimble has chosen a path that could secure financial stability well beyond his basketball career.
According to reports, Trimble purchased the franchise earlier this year, leveraging his NIL income and partnerships to finance the deal. The Ben & Jerry’s shop, located near the UNC campus, is expected to be a hit with students, local fans, and visitors alike. With Chapel Hill’s vibrant community and strong Tar Heel fanbase, the location could quickly become both a popular hangout spot and a symbol of Trimble’s forward-thinking vision.
The move is groundbreaking in the NIL era. While athletes have signed endorsement deals worth millions, few have opted to use their money to create ownership opportunities. Trimble’s decision sets an example for college athletes looking to turn short-term NIL earnings into long-term investments, proving that business savvy can go hand-in-hand with athletic ambition.
In interviews, Trimble has emphasized that he wants to inspire other players to think beyond basketball. “The game won’t last forever,” he noted in a recent statement, “but opportunities like this can build something that lasts a lifetime.” His words resonate with athletes across the country who are navigating how to maximize their NIL opportunities while still competing at the collegiate level.
The Ben & Jerry’s partnership itself is a strong fit. The brand, known for its creativity and community involvement, aligns with Trimble’s personal values and his connection to the Chapel Hill community. Fans have already taken to social media to praise his boldness and business vision, with many pledging to support the store once it officially opens under his ownership.
For UNC, Trimble’s entrepreneurial leap adds another layer of prestige to the program. The Tar Heels have long been known for producing NBA talent, but Trimble is showing that UNC players can also excel in business leadership while still on campus. It’s a development that may also enhance recruiting, as prospective players see UNC as a place where they can grow on and off the court.
The NCAA’s NIL policy has only been active since 2021, yet Trimble’s decision is evidence of how rapidly the landscape is evolving. Athletes are no longer just passive endorsers—they are entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders. Trimble’s success could encourage other athletes to take similar risks, using their platforms to build lasting enterprises.
Fans are already speculating whether Trimble’s Ben & Jerry’s franchise could become a Tar Heel-themed destination. Ideas ranging from limited-edition flavors inspired by UNC to meet-and-greet events with players have been floated online, highlighting the excitement and buzz surrounding the venture. If executed creatively, the store could become a landmark for UNC supporters.
As the Tar Heels prepare for another season of high expectations, Seth Trimble’s story is serving as inspiration both inside and outside the locker room. His willingness to think big and take control of his financial future shows a maturity beyond his years, and it underscores how transformative the NIL era has become for college sports.
For now, Chapel Hill fans can look forward not just to watching Trimble soar on the court but also to enjoying a scoop of ice cream at his Ben & Jerry’s shop—a sweet symbol of what’s possible when ambition meets opportunity.
