CLEVELAND - The International Collegiate Licensing Association (ICLA) is proud to announce John Mybeck and Paul Vander Tuig as the 2026 Hall of Fame inductees. Join us as we celebrate the inductees at the 2026 ICLA Summer Convention during our Awards Luncheon, sponsored by Unrivaled Teamwear, on Monday, June 8 at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas!
Mybeck and Vander Tuig will formally be inducted into the ICLA Hall of Fame at the #ICLA2026 Convention, Monday, June 8 at Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada.
"On behalf of the ICLA Board of Directors and the Hall of Fame Selection Committee, I'm honored to announce John Mybeck and Paul Vander Tuig as members of the ICLA Hall of Fame Class of 2026," said ICLA President Kimberly Spino, Director of Trademarks and Licensing at SMU. "Both have demonstrated outstanding leadership and a lasting commitment to advancing the collegiate licensing industry, and their contributions have had a meaningful impact on the growth of ICLA. They are highly respected leaders, mentors, and colleagues, and this recognition is well deserved. We look forward to celebrating their accomplishments with the ICLA community."
John Mybeck:
John Mybeck's impactful career spans decades as one of the most influential and foundational figures in the collegiate licensing industry. His journey includes leadership roles with Strategic Marketing Affiliates (SMA), Learfield Licensing Partners, and now Octane5, where he currently serves as Vice President, College at Octane5 International, LLC. Throughout his career, Mybeck has played a central role in shaping the structure, growth, and evolution of collegiate licensing, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.
As a senior leader at SMA, Mybeck was instrumental in building one of the most significant licensing agencies in collegiate athletics history. SMA grew to represent over 350 institutions before merging with the Licensing Resource Group, forming a combined portfolio of more than 550 colleges, universities, and conferences. His leadership helped bring licensing resources and opportunities to institutions that were previously underserved, fundamentally expanding the reach and accessibility of collegiate licensing programs nationwide.
Mybeck's influence extended beyond organizational growth, as he helped transition collegiate licensing from a transactional business model into one centered on long-term relationships and strategic partnerships. His deep understanding of both the vendor and institutional perspectives allowed him to guide programs with a holistic and forward-thinking approach, strengthening connections between schools, licensees, and retailers across the industry.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mybeck has been a dedicated mentor and trusted resource to generations of licensing professionals. His leadership during key industry transitions, including organizational mergers and evolving market dynamics, has helped shape the careers of countless individuals and strengthened the industry as a whole. Known for his approachability, leadership, and commitment to others, Mybeck continues to be a respected voice and active contributor within collegiate licensing.
Through his pioneering contributions, unwavering leadership, and lasting impact on both people and programs, Mybeck has helped define the modern collegiate licensing landscape. His legacy continues to influence institutions, professionals, and partners across the industry, making him a highly deserving inductee into the ICLA Hall of Fame.
Paul Vander Tuig:
Paul Vander Tuig has dedicated over 35Â years to collegiate licensing, serving as a consistent leader and innovator within the industry. Since 1993, he has led the licensing program at the University of Kansas, following his time as Assistant Licensing Director at the University of Minnesota. Over his tenure, Vander Tuig has transformed Kansas' licensing program from a modest operation generating around $300,000 annually into a consistent $3M performer.
Throughout his career, Vander Tuig has remained at the forefront of industry innovation, executing unique and elevated partnerships with notable brands, including OVO, Jeff Hamilton, Eric Emanuel/adidas, and Knievel Motorcycles. He was also an early leader in the licensed spirits category, the NIL space, and monetizing hot market opportunities. Paul also stood out with key testimony helping the University of Kansas prevail in their federal trademark infringement lawsuit v. Joe College, overseeing licensed product for eight football bowl games, 23 regular season men's basketball championships, six Final Four appearances, and two National Championships.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Vander Tuig has made a lasting impact through mentorship and service to the industry. A former educator, he continues to share his knowledge and experience with the next generation of licensing professionals, including serving as a mentor within ICLA. He is a constant presence at industry events and is widely respected for his approachable demeanor, candor, and sense of humor.
Now retired, Vander Tuig's leadership and dedication have made him a pillar of both the University of Kansas Athletics Department and the broader collegiate licensing industry. His long-standing commitment to innovation, relationship building, and professional development has positively impacted countless colleagues, institutions, and partners. Through his work, he continues to support and elevate schools, licensees, and the overall licensing ecosystem, leaving a lasting legacy on the profession.
About ICLA: ICLA provides educational and networking opportunities, enhancement of acceptable operating standards and ethics, and establishment of the overall prestige and understanding of the profession of collegiate licensing. For more information on ICLA, please visit www.iclanet.com. ICLA is administered by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), which is in its 61st year. For more information on NACDA and the 19 professional associations that fall under its umbrella, please visit www.nacda.com.
