3D-printed footwear brand puts real college athletes in its shoes through a low-risk, product-based approach as it builds a broader NIL strategy
(Lincoln, Neb. – October 2, 2026) – Syntilay has announced a new partnership with Opendorse, the leading Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) technology, data, and service provider, to scale its entry into college athlete marketing. Built around 3D-printed footwear technology, Syntilay will use the partnership to put college athletes in its shoes as it grows its presence in the NIL space.
With the partnership, Syntilay will roll out a product-first strategy, putting real 3D-printed footwear directly in the hands of college athletes as it builds a broader NIL presence. The approach lets Syntilay build authentic relationships with student athletes and learn what resonates with fans as it grows its presence in the space.
“We’re excited to collaborate with Opendorse to help take care of college athletes beyond the field of play,” said Ben Weiss, founder and CEO of Syntilay. “It’s exciting to give the next generation of athletes access to cutting-edge 3D-printed footwear and a completely new approach to how shoes can be designed and made.”
Through the partnership, Syntilay will activate at campuses nationwide, starting with NIL Media Days where participating athletes will be given printed footwear in exchange for content and exposure across their social channels. It will also serve as an introduction for college athletes to the possibilities of signature 3D-printed footwear. Syntilay is building a platform that gives college athletes the opportunity to develop and launch their own signature footwear at the earliest stages of their careers, providing a previously untapped NIL revenue stream.
“Syntilay is taking a smart approach to reaching college athletes,” said Blake Lawrence, Co-Founder & President, Collegiate Operations at Opendorse. “By putting real product directly in athletes’ hands, they’ll build authentic connections with fans as they grow their presence in college athletics.”
About Syntilay
Syntilay is a footwear technology company reimagining how shoes are designed, made, and brought to market. Using AI-powered design and on-demand 3D printing, Syntilay creates innovative footwear without the traditional constraints of molds, tooling, and large inventories. Syntilay works with athletes, creators, brands, and retail partners to rapidly bring new footwear concepts from idea to commercially available, custom-fit product.
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 200,000 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
