Opendorse Blog
Your source for athlete-driven news, insights, and education.
Recent Posts
NIL AT 4: The Annual Opendorse Report
As the college sports industry enters year five of the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era, there is more clarity—but also more uncertainty—than ever before. The annual Opendorse industry report explores the central challenges, trends, and opportunities of the...
How Schools Are Putting Opendorse to Work
Student-athletes today expect more than just nice facilities and a scholarship. They want education, support, and real opportunities to grow their personal brands. They understand the need to build their future. That’s where Opendorse comes in—helping schools,...
Opendorse Dorsey Awards and NIL Marketing Forum Set the Standard for Commercial NIL Connection, Innovation, and Recognition
To cap a landmark year in college academics and athletics, Opendorse hosted hundreds of administrators, Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) specialists, and athlete influencer marketing professionals for the Opendorse NIL Marketing Forum. Taking place in Omaha during the...
New Report Showcases Dominance of Women’s College Softball in Fan Engagement
In a new data report comparing Men's and Women's College World Series player social media followers, Opendorse has revealed compelling insights into the rise of women's sports, using innovative audience analysis that puts college Softball in the spotlight. “The...
Her Campus Media Partners with Opendorse to Launch Industry Certification Program Exclusively for College Athletes in the Creator Economy
The partnership will equip college athletes with the tools, training, and brand connections needed to build their personal brands and navigate NIL opportunities with confidence. BOSTON, MA — June 10, 2025 — Her Campus Media (HCM), the #1 Gen Z media and...
Opendorse, Student Athlete Score Announce Strategic Partnership to Power Smarter NIL Insights
Lincoln, NE and Ann Arbor, MI – June 5, 2025 — Opendorse, the premier NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) marketplace, and Student Athlete Score, the leading athlete marketing intelligence platform, today announced a strategic technology partnership. Through the Opendorse...
Why Repeat Brand Campaigns Win
In a world dominated by short-form content, it’s easy for a single post to get buried in the scroll. But when brands go beyond a single touchpoint, when they invest in repeat campaigns with athletes, they create something far more powerful than a short-lived...
Cal State Monterey Bay Renews Opendorse Partnership, Adds Premium NIL Marketplace
(Seaside, Calif. and Lincoln, Neb. – May 14, 2025) – Cal State Monterey Bay Athletics has renewed and expanded its partnership with Opendorse, the leading NIL technology, data, and service company. As part of the enhanced agreement, CSUMB will now provide...
The Opendorse NIL Marketing Forum
The Opendorse NIL Marketing Forum is a first-of-its-kind event bringing together national, regional, and local brands with college athletics leaders to explore the evolving intersection of marketing, media, and modern college athletics. Held just four blocks from...
Beyond the Headlines: What NIL Really Looks Like
“Nico Iamaleava’s dramatic NIL dispute with Tennessee cost him millions.” “Duke, Kentucky, UNC reportedly spending over $10 million on NIL contracts.” These are the headlines that dominate the NIL conversation. They fuel the idea that this era of college...
NAIA Renews Partnership with Opendorse to Support Student-Athletes Nationwide
(Kansas City, Mo. and Lincoln, Neb. – May 2, 2025) – The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has renewed its partnership with Opendorse, the leading NIL technology, data, and service company. This partnership will extend Opendorse as the Name,...
Opendorse, HCAC, NCAC, OAC & PAC Announce Second Year of Opendorse Bowl Series at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium
(Canton, Ohio and Lincoln, Neb. – April 29, 2025) – Opendorse, the leading NIL technology, data, and service company, has renewed its partnership as title sponsor of the Opendorse Bowl Series. The series is set to return to Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton,...
St. Thomas Athletics Strengthens NIL Strategy with Opendorse Renewal
(Miami Gardens, Fla. and Lincoln, Neb. – April 23, 2025) – St. Thomas University Athletics has renewed its partnership with Opendorse, the leading NIL technology, data, and service company, to continue providing its student-athletes with best-in-class NIL education,...
Keiser Athletics Renews Opendorse Partnership to Strengthen NIL Strategy and Student-Athlete Support
(West Palm Beach, Fla. and Lincoln, Neb. – April 15, 2025) – Keiser University Athletics has renewed its partnership with Opendorse, the leading NIL technology, data, and service company, to continue providing industry-best NIL tools, education, and support for its...
The Central Stable Collective Launches to Provide Enhanced NIL Opportunities for Central Missouri Mules & Jennies Student-Athletes
Warrensburg, Mo. and Lincoln, Neb. – The Central Stable Collective, the Name, Image & Likeness (NIL) collective supporting University of Central Missouri student-athletes, launched its operations to provide resources and financial opportunities for the Mules &...
The Momentum of March: The Final Four Audience Report
While TV viewership favors the men’s tournament, women’s basketball student-athletes are outpacing their male counterparts when it comes to the reach of their online channels. Contact the Opendorse team at media.sales@opendorse.com for a personalized...
Kansas Athletics Expands Relationship with Opendorse for First-of-its-Kind, Custom Partnership
(Lawrence, Kan.– March 31, 2025) – Kansas Athletics today announced an innovative and long-term partnership with Opendorse, the leading NIL data, technology, and service company. The collaboration will further cement the two innovative entities as leaders during a...
The Price of Magic: NIL and the Fate of the Cinderella Story
March Madness has always been about Cinderella stories—underdog teams making deep runs, capturing the hearts of fans, and proving anything is possible in college sports. But with more dollars in play, is there still room for magic in March? The New Cost of...
Introducing Market Intel: Turning NIL Data into a Competitive Advantage
In today’s college athletics landscape, guesswork is costly. Schools and collectives are investing more than ever, but without the right data, they’re making critical decisions in the dark. Opendorse Market Intel brings clarity to NIL valuations based on actual...
Opendorse and Just Play Announce Exclusive Partnership to Provide Comprehensive Athlete Valuation for Coaches
(Lincoln, Neb. and Overland Park, Kan. – March 24, 2025) – Opendorse, the leading NIL technology and insights provider, and Just Play Solutions, the most trusted coaching workflow and analytics platform, today announced a unique partnership that integrates Opendorse’s...
Why Schools Are Turning to Team Builder for NIL Budgeting
Schools are preparing to directly compensate their student-athletes. NIL investment is at an all-time high for collegiate and commercial NIL. But most schools and collectives lack the tools to manage budgets and compensation caps effectively. Without clear benchmarks,...
Opendorse and The Business of Small College Athletics Renew Partnership to Support Small College Athletics in 2025
(Lincoln, Neb. – March 11, 2025) – Opendorse, the leading NIL data, technology, and service company, has renewed its partnership with The Business of Small College Athletics (BOSCA) to spotlight its industry expertise and provide in-person interaction with small...
Seizing the Opportunity: How Athletes Can Leverage Opendorse to Secure NIL Deals
For college athletes, NIL presents more than just extra income—it’s an opportunity to build your brand and shape your financial future. But turning that opportunity into real deals takes the right approach. For many athletes, landing sponsorships can feel...
Utah State University Eastern Partners with Opendorse to Support Eagles Student-Athletes with NIL Resources
(Price, Utah and Lincoln, Neb. – March 6, 2025) – Utah State University Eastern Athletics today announced a strategic partnership with Opendorse, the college athletics NIL leader, to provide Name, Image & Likeness (NIL) education and resources for Eagles...
Opendorse Launches JackedNIL.com With Expanded Partnership
(Brookings, S.D. and Lincoln, Neb. – March 5, 2025) – Jacked NIL has taken another step forward with the official launch of jackednil.com, a fully integrated platform designed to empower Jackrabbit student-athletes. In partnership with Opendorse and Jackrabbit Sports...
Instagram’s New Partnership Ad Feature: What It Means for Brands and Athletes
Instagram is enhancing its influencer marketing tools with Testimonials, a new feature designed to strengthen brand-creator collaborations. While Partnership Ads have long allowed brands to promote creator content as paid ads, Testimonials introduce a fresh way for...
Don’t Get Caught Off Guard: Understanding Taxes on NIL Income
Name, Image & Likeness (NIL) has provided college athletes with the opportunity to secure partnerships with brands, fans, donors, and collectives. While these deals provide financial benefits, they also introduce responsibilities that some athletes may not have...
Beyond the Bracket: A Brand’s Guide to March
March is more than just another month on the sports calendar—it’s a cultural event. Millions of fans flock to arenas and tune in on TV, brackets are busted, and new stars emerge on college basketball’s biggest stage. For brands, the Men’s and Women’s tournaments...
Cypress College Becomes First 3C2A School to Partner with Opendorse for NIL Support
(Cypress, Calif. and Lincoln, Neb. – February 19, 2025) – Cypress College today announced a groundbreaking partnership with Opendorse, the college athletics NIL leader, to provide Name, Image & Likeness (NIL) resources and education for Chargers student-athletes....
Why College Athletes are the Perfect Content Creators for Engaging Gen Z
Brand loyalty has unique dynamics among Gen Z consumers. According to Archrival, only 36% of Gen Z claims to be loyal to brands, while 41% describe themselves as “sort of” loyal. This isn’t because they’re uninterested in brands. It’s because they have expectations....
Eagles Nest Collective Launches to Support Spalding University Student-Athletes through NIL Partnerships
(Louisville, Ky. and Lincoln, Neb. – January 27, 2025) – Eagles Nest Collective, the Name, Image & Likeness (NIL) collective supporting Spalding University student-athletes, today launched its operations to provide resources, mentorship, and monetization...
Pro vs. College Football Audiences
Athlete audience data in this two-page report shows that engaging with college athlete influencers is the most effective media buy in sports. Contact the Opendorse team at media.sales@opendorse.com for a personalized consultation on how athlete influencers can help...
What a TikTok Ban Could Mean for Athletes and Advertisers
After years of conflict around data policies and security concerns, TikTok is facing a ban in the United States if its parent company, ByteDance, does not divest its U.S. operations or an extension is provided by U.S. lawmakers by Sunday, January 19. Regardless of the...
Athlete Audience Report: College Football Playoff Semifinals
While 21M watch the College Football Playoff Semifinal games, 6.2M athlete followers engage on social channels. Learn more about that 30% of the broadcast audience that connect with the players on social. The 2024-2025 College Football Playoff Semifinal features...
The Rise of College Volleyball: NIL and the Growth of Women’s Sports Leading up to the 2024 DI Championship
As the 2024 NCAA Division I Women's Volleyball Championship approaches, all eyes are on Louisville where the nation's top teams will face off December 19 and 22. The Final Four matchups are set, featuring Pittsburgh vs. Louisville and Penn State vs. Nebraska. The...
Colorado State Athletics and Opendorse Secure Groundbreaking NIL and Rev-Share Partnership
Fort Collins, Colo. and Lincoln, Neb. – Colorado State Athletics and Opendorse today announced they have finalized a long-term partnership to ensure the Rams’ excellence in Name, Image & Likeness (NIL) and Revenue Sharing (Rev-Share) for years to come. ...
Game Changers: Movember Teams Up With Opendorse to Launch ‘Mindmoves’ to Support Student-Athletes With Mental Health Education and Resources
Movember, the global charity changing the face of men’s health, and Opendorse, the NIL leader and TIME100 Most Influential Company, announced the launch of MindMoves, an innovative partnership that will provide free access to mental health and suicide prevention...
How Athletes Positively Influence Cause-Based Marketing Campaigns
As the 2024 Presidential Election approaches, a new wave of influence is emerging—college athletes are stepping into the spotlight, utilizing their platforms to engage first-time voters and advocate for the issues they believe in. This is a pivotal moment in American...
NIL AT 3: The Annual Opendorse Report
To celebrate the anniversary of NIL, Opendorse has released its third annual industry report: NIL AT 3. Since July 1, 2021, the total projected NIL market has exploded from $917 million in 2021-22 to an expected $1.67 billion in 2024-25 – with no signs of slowing...
Loudoun Soccer Club / Northern Virginia Alliance: NIL Resources
What is NIL? Name, Image & Likeness (NIL) are the three elements that make up a legal concept know as “rights of publicity.” These are identifiable to you – who you are – and what any individual can sell to promote a product or service....
Alumna House and College Volleyball Players Unite for Positive Mindset Clothing Line
July 17, 2023 Omaha, NE: Alumna House, the premier collegiate women's apparel company, is thrilled to announce its dynamic partnership with college volleyball players to launch an inspiring clothing line focused on the power of a positive mindset. Through an exciting...
Cheez-It: Supporting student-athletes through NIL on the biggest stage
Big moments mean big paydays for student-athletes. And many brands are helping them capitalize on those clutch plays and big games. Cheez-It is helping student-athletes “feel the cheeziest” while performing at the highest level. The brand signed NIL deals with four...
The rise of fast-casual dining and NIL activations
With restaurants accounting for 5% of national NIL brand spend, multiple fast-casual restaurants are partnering with student-athletes to spread the word about store openings and new meal options. Let’s explore five fast-casual restaurants activating with...
March Mustache for the win: Pringles’ creative approach to NIL
Authentically aligning with its target audiences' passions and playfully inserting the brand into culture by tapping into a trending phenomenon of fantastically wild facial hair that players rock on court during tournament season. That was the goal for Pringles, as...
SPANX, LLC teams up with college athletes to promote activewear
ATLANTA (May 15, 2023) – SPANX, LLC, the mission-driven womenswear brand, announced today name, image and likeness (NIL) deals with 40+ female student-athletes. Spanx is a brand made for women’s bodies, by women. Proven with the brand’s functional fashion, the styles...
Iconic Fitness Brand Gold’s Gym Partners With Industry Leading Opendorse to Launch NIL College Athlete Ambassador Program
Decades after pioneering modern bodybuilding and fitness culture, Gold’s Gym again leads the way in becoming first gym company to launch an NIL program to collaborate with collegiate athletes nationwide July 07, 2023 Venice, CA: Legendary Gold’s Gym has joined...
For the sports fan in your life, the perfect gift is on Opendorse
Birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, first day of school. The celebrations are endless, and most people already have everything they need. Are you tired of racking your brain year after year for a gift for the sports fan in your...
Degree Deodorant®, Giannis Antetokounmpo celebrate five walk-on basketball student-athletes through NIL deals
Giannis Antetokounmpo knows what it’s like to be doubted. He knows what it’s like to have the odds stacked up against you. That’s why the two-time NBA MVP teamed up with Degree Deodorant® to celebrate five student-athletes that have made a career out of proving their...
5 March Madness NIL campaigns that are changing the game
Stars are born in March Madness. And with NIL, the moments that solidify a student-athlete's name in school history can now be monetized. Catch phrases, Cinderella runs, and breakout players – athletes can now cash in. Many brands are already ahead of the game,...
Joey Calcaterra: Connecting with UConn fans through NIL
UConn Basketball knows a little something about winning rings. When it came time for a pair of Huskies basketball fans to get their own rings on their wedding day, men’s basketball player Joey Calcaterra sent a video shout out to the couple wishing them well on their...
Setting Up for NIL Success with Sydney Stephens
Since name, image, and likeness changes happened on July 1, 2021, Illinois Soccer Sophomore Sydney Stephens has spent time developing her brand. Starting Strong Illinois Athletics began their partnership with Opendorse in (year), and ever since have been...
Youth on Course: Creating lasting impact through NIL
NIL headlines have largely been dominated by consumer packaged goods, luxury car brands and apparel companies. But purpose-driven brands aren’t exempt from the value that student-athletes can bring to their organization's missions. Youth on Course, a...
Degree Deodorant®: Providing NIL opportunities for a more inclusive world
Committing $5M to Break Limits Degree committed $5 million to its Breaking Limits NIL program The brand named 22 new athletes to the team in 2022 As one of the first brands to emerge in the NIL landscape in July 2021, Degree Deodorant® hasn’t let up when it comes to...
2025 GLIAC SAAC Retreat to Feature NIL Education Session Led by Opendorse
(Grand Rapids, Mich. – June 6, 2025) – Jake Daugherty, Manager, Collegiate Partnerships at Opendorse and former Ferris State Football student-athlete, will return to the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) as a featured presenter at the 2025 GLIAC...