(Price, Utah and Lincoln, Neb. – March 6, 2025) – Utah State University Eastern Athletics today announced a strategic partnership with Opendorse, the college athletics NIL leader, to provide Name, Image & Likeness (NIL) education and resources for Eagles student-athletes.
With this investment in student-athlete success, USU Eastern becomes the first school in NJCAA Region 18 and the first in the Scenic West Athletic Conference (SWAC) to partner with Opendorse, positioning the Eagles as NIL leaders among NJCAA programs.
“This partnership with Opendorse is a game-changer for USU Eastern student-athletes,” said USUE Athletic Director Jess Brinkerhoff. “By providing our athletes with the tools and resources to navigate NIL opportunities, we are ensuring they have every chance to succeed both during their time at USUE and beyond. Being the first NJCAA Region 18 and SWAC school to take this step reinforces our commitment to innovation and student-athlete development.”
Through the partnership, USUE student-athletes can build a custom profile on USU Eastern Eagles NIL Marketplace, where businesses and fans can connect with them for partnership opportunities. Fans, brands, sponsors, and donors can browse, book, pitch, and pay athletes for NIL activities like social media posts, appearances, video shoutouts, autographs, and more. The Opendorse Wallet™ allows athletes to easily receive payments and manage tax documentation – all in one place.
“It’s exciting to see Utah State University Eastern take this step to support its student-athletes,” said Opendorse Co-Founder & President, Collegiate Operations Blake Lawrence. “By providing athletes with tools to access NIL opportunities, the Eagles are making a clear statement—they’re committed to helping their athletes succeed both on and off the field.”
Along with NIL monetization tools, USUE athletes will have access to industry-leading educational resources through the Opendorse NIL Masterclass and NIL Library. These tools will provide practical guidance on building a personal brand, understanding NIL rules and regulations, and pursuing meaningful partnerships. Athletes can also access specialized programs like MindMoves Mental Health by Movember and NIL Real Estate, which allows them to earn a free referral real estate license in the state of Utah.
“This partnership with Opendorse is a tremendous opportunity for our student-athletes,” said USU Eastern Head Volleyball Coach Danielle Jensen. “As coaches, we are always looking for ways to support our athletes beyond just their performance on the court. By providing them with the tools to navigate the NIL landscape, we’re empowering them to build their personal brands, connect with businesses, and take full advantage of the opportunities available to them. It’s another step in making USU Eastern a destination for top student-athletes.”
About Opendorse
Opendorse is the leading athlete network and collegiate technology company, providing products and services to the Name, Image & Likeness (NIL) endorsement industry. 150K+ athletes use Opendorse to build and monetize their name, image, and likeness with support from hundreds of colleges and thousands of brands, fans, donors, and partners.
For media inquiries, contact Opendorse VP, Collegiate Services & Marketing Julian Valentin at julian.valentin@opendorse.com.
