Cougars Partner with Opendorse to Maximize Value of Student-Athlete’s Name, Image, and Likeness Rights.
Brigham Young University Athletics announced today its decision to join Opendorse Ready, the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) Readiness Program powered by Opendorse. The program is designed to help student-athletes maximize NIL value by providing social media brand development solutions with proven effectiveness at the highest ranks of professional sports.
“Change is coming to college athletics and it’s our role as leaders to help our athletes prepare to the best our abilities,” said BYU Head Men’s Basketball Coach Mark Pope. “Whether changes come today or a year from now, the Ready program will put BYU student-athletes in an excellent position to maximize the value of their personal brands.”
Opendorse Ready provides three core pillars to student-athlete success: Assessment, Education, and Performance – tailored to assist each individual athlete. By joining now with a 3-year partnership commitment, BYU is able to offer the program’s NIL readiness solutions to every student-athlete at the University.
The agreement positions BYU as the first NCAA athletics departments to join Opendorse Ready. BYU is the first Division I Independent program and the first in Utah to become a Ready partner.
“BYU has rapidly grown to become recognized as a collegiate leader in social media and athlete-driven marketing behind leadership from Stuart Call and the athletics staff,” Opendorse CEO Blake Lawrence said. “Once NIL changes were on the table, they were among the first to say, ‘What will it take to best-position our student-athletes for success?’ I’m proud to help BYU take the next step to becoming the NIL leader with Opendorse Ready.”
“Name, image, and likeness rights has the potential to shape the next decade of college athletics,” said BYU Athletic Director Tom Holmoe. “Beyond its impact on recruiting, we see this as opportunity to provide our players with the education and life skills that will bring them value well beyond their days on campus. As NIL changes became more clear, we were quick survey the market and find what I and our staff believe to be the best solution in the market to prepare our student-athletes for success; Opendorse Ready.
“Our program believes in helping our student-athletes develop not just as players, but as successful people beyond the field, “said BYU Head Football Coach Kalani Sitake. “With Opendorse Ready, we can help them understand and improve their opportunities off the field. This is about preparing our athletes to win once rules allow, but more importantly, to give them the education and tools to prepare them for a successful future.
