Wildcats join Opendorse Ready™ to Help Athletes Understand and Maximize Endorsement Value in Preparation for Name, Image, and Likeness.
Kansas State Athletics announced today its decision to join Opendorse Ready, the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) Readiness program geared to prepare student-athletes for upcoming NIL policy changes and apply proven endorsement management solutions.
Opendorse has experience maximizing endorsement value for thousands of professional athletes since 2012 and has quickly become a leader in the collegiate space. The agreement positions Kansas State as the first athletics program in the state of Kansas to launch a student-athlete NIL readiness program, which the department is calling “Catalyst.” The Wildcats are among the first 20 programs nationwide to sign with Opendorse Ready, joining Clemson, Nebraska, Louisville, and Indiana, among others.
“Changes to NIL policy will impact athletes and staffs at every level of college athletics,” said K-State Head Football Coach Chris Klieman. “As leaders, it’s our responsibility to prepare our teams to the best of our ability, and this partnership is a milestone in our preparation as a program. Opendorse Ready provides the technology and proven market experience to position K-State at the forefront of leadership and innovation as this new era unfolds.”
By entering a three-year partnership with Opendorse, Kansas State is able to bring the program’s NIL readiness solutions to every student-athlete at the University. The program provides three core pillars to student-athlete success: Assessment, Education, and Performance – tailored to assist each individual athlete.
“Upcoming NIL legislation will provide challenges and opportunities for leaders throughout college sports,” said K-State Director of Athletics Gene Taylor. “We have a plan and partner in Opendorse to ensure that our student-athletes have the best possible resources at their disposal. This partnership will offer our student-athletes with best-in-class personal branding tools to make the most of this upcoming opportunity, while providing the education and technology for students and staff remain informed and compliant as rules change.”
“NIL has the potential to define success for programs for the next decade,” said Opendorse CEO Blake Lawrence. “From recruiting battles to program marketing, student-athlete safety and success will be tablestakes in the NIL era. And by taking inniative to innovate before new policy goes into effect, Kansas State is setting itself up as a clear leader. I’m proud to help the Wildcats be at the forefront of this movement.
Are You Ready for NIL?
See how Opendorse can elevate your program with Opendorse Ready. Opendorse Ready is the Student-Athlete Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) Readiness Program. The program exists to help student-athletes prepare and maximize the value of their NIL. Your student athletes get access to:
- Comprehensive Profile Review
- Detailed Post Analysis
- Report Card
- Social Ranking &
- Social Summary
- Individual Valuation
- Potential Earnings Assessment
- Performance Benchmarks
- Custom Content Calendars
- Personalized Campaign Themes
- Education & Planning Sessions
- Setup & Onboarding
- Bi-Weekly NIL Academy
- And more…
