(Lincoln, Neb. – August 29, 2025) – Nebraska Wesleyan University, the only NCAA Division III school in the state of Nebraska, has partnered with Opendorse, the leading NIL technology, data, and service provider. This partnership will provide Prairie Wolves student-athletes with access to the tools, education, and resources to build their personal brands and explore Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities.
Located just miles from Opendorse’s headquarters, Nebraska Wesleyan is taking a distinctly local approach to NIL innovation. With the support of its admissions department, the university is leveraging this partnership not only to empower student-athletes, but also to highlight its commitment to student success in the recruitment and enrollment process.
“We’ve made a commitment to be one of the premier NCAA Division III programs in the country for our student-athletes and spirit squad members,” said Director of Athletics Dwight Merilatt. “Our new NIL agreement with Opendorse reinforces that commitment by supporting the success of each individual on and off the field. This partnership gives our athletes the opportunity to monetize their name, image, and likeness while building their personal brand. I’m excited about what this means for our campus community and look forward to a long and positive relationship with Opendorse.”
Through the partnership, NWU student-athletes will gain access to Opendorse’s platform, including on-demand NIL education through the Opendorse Masterclass and tools to easily disclose, manage, and track NIL activity. The platform streamlines the process for student-athletes, coaches, and compliance staff, while reinforcing the university’s values of education, empowerment, and opportunity.
“This is more than athletics, it’s a campus-wide initiative,” said Jake Daugherty, Manager of Collegiate Partnerships at Opendorse. “Nebraska Wesleyan is proving that NIL can be a powerful tool for Division III institutions to support athletes, strengthen recruitment, and elevate their brand in the community. With our teams just minutes apart, we’re excited to build something truly collaborative.”
Nebraska Wesleyan joins a growing national network of Opendorse partners but stands alone as a trailblazer in the DIII landscape. With strategic backing from its admissions team and a commitment to forward-thinking solutions, NWU is making NIL a true differentiator in Nebraska and beyond.
Nebraska Wesleyan NIL Marketplace
About Opendorse
Opendorse is the technology, data, and service platform powering the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) industry for colleges, collectives, consumers, and commercial partners. More than 150,000 athlete influencers use Opendorse to build, promote, and monetize their personal brands through the largest athlete media network.
For media inquiries, contact Opendorse SVP, Collegiate Services & Marketing Julian Valentin at julian.valentin@opendorse.com.
