(Oklahoma City, Okla. and Lincoln, Neb. – September 10, 2026) – The Sooner Athletic Conference has announced a new partnership with Opendorse, the leading Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) technology, data, and service provider. Through the partnership, Opendorse will serve as the Official NIL Marketplace of the SAC.
The partnership brings together the conference’s member institutions and Opendorse’s NIL expertise, with a shared goal of positioning the SAC as the premier NIL conference in the NAIA.
“Our student-athletes have a lot to offer, and we want to help them recognize and make the most of those opportunities,” said SAC Commissioner John Martin. “Partnering with Opendorse gives us an experienced team to help our schools navigate NIL and support student-athletes along the way. We’re excited about what we can build together across the SAC.”
As part of the agreement, the SAC will provide Opendorse with sponsorship, event, marketing, and media opportunities across the conference, connecting Opendorse directly with member schools and their communities. In turn, Opendorse will bring its knowledge of the NIL landscape to the table, working alongside SAC leadership to help member institutions and their student-athletes make the most of the opportunities ahead.
“I want to thank Darin David and the entire Steel Curtain U team for their partnership in bringing this to life,” said Jake Daugherty, Director, Collegiate Partnerships at Opendorse. “The SAC has a real opportunity to set the standard for NIL across the NAIA. As the conference’s Official NIL Marketplace, we’ll work directly with SAC leadership and its member institutions to help student-athletes build their brands and connect with fans, alumni, and businesses in their communities. We’re proud to support the SAC as it leads the way at the NAIA level.”
With this partnership in place, the SAC and Opendorse are looking ahead to a future built on shared investment in student-athletes, one that gives every member institution a stronger foundation to grow NIL opportunities in the years to come.
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 180,000 athlete influencers use Opendorse to build, promote, and monetize their personal brands through the largest athlete media network.
For media inquiries, contact Opendorse Manager, Marketing and Social Media Blake Schaben at blake.schaben@opendorse.com
