LINCOLN, Neb. – Nebraska Wesleyan University Athletics has officially partnered with Opendorse, one of the nation's leading platforms in the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) space, to support Prairie Wolves student-athletes and spirit squad members in navigating and maximizing their NIL potential.

The agreement, signed earlier this summer, marks a significant step forward in NWU's commitment to empowering student-athletes with the tools, education, and infrastructure needed to succeed in the evolving NIL landscape. Through this partnership, NWU joins a growing network of institutions leveraging Opendorse's technology to provide a centralized, compliant, and accessible NIL experience.

"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 and gives our student-athletes the opportunity to monetize their name, image, and likeness while building their personal brand. I'm excited about this new partnership and look forward to a long and positive relationship with Opendorse."

Through both a web-based platform and mobile app, Opendorse offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to simplify the NIL process for student-athletes, coaches, and administrators. NWU has begun onboarding rosters into the system, creating individual athlete profiles and establishing a home for NIL disclosures, deal tracking, and educational resources.

Opendorse will provide:

• A branded, no-fee marketplace for fans, brands, and sponsors to connect directly with student-athletes.
• Real-time compliance dashboards and annual summaries to ensure eligibility and transparency.
• A media library and content dashboard for sharing and publishing branded content.
• Education resources including bi-annual webinars, as well as custom virtual sessions tailored to NWU
• Personalized athlete support, including tax documentation, deal tracking, and access to national campaigns.

Student-athletes will be able to customize their Opendorse profiles, review and accept NIL opportunities, disclose activities to NWU compliance staff, and access curated content and education, all within a single platform.

NWU's partnership with Opendorse also includes resources for coaches and staff, ensuring that the entire athletics community is equipped to support student-athletes in understanding NIL policies, branding strategies, and financial literacy.

"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."

As the NIL space continues to evolve, NWU remains committed to providing its student-athletes with the tools and support needed to thrive on the field, in the classroom, and in the marketplace.