San Jose, Calif.---- Establishing new relationships and trailblazing frontiers for its student-athletes in its vibrant Silicon Valley community and beyond, San Jose State University and Opendorse are partnering in the Opendorse Ready program to provide Spartan student-athletes with knowledge and educational tools to effectively navigate and manage entrepreneurial opportunities in the Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) space. New Spartan Athletics Director Jeff Konya made the announcement on behalf of the university.
"With the ongoing and evolving Name, Image and Likeness issues regionally and nationally, we are in a new and exciting era for intercollegiate athletics. The opportunity to partner with Opendorse, the established industry leader in the NIL space, is one that will provide clarity for all our constituents and short and long term benefits for our student-athletes, coaches, staff, our university, and those supporting us through One Spartan Nation. We want our student-athletes to have as much information and education as positive leverage in the NIL era," Konya said on his first day as the San José State University athletics director.
The student-athlete population of more than 450 competing in 22 NCAA Division I sports will be provided effective technological resources to understand and maximize the value of their NIL rights, proven social media brand development solutions, and a program that can be tailored to each student-athlete.
San Jose State plans to introduce the Opendorse Ready curriculum to the student-athlete population through its Beyond Sparta program. Beyond Sparta is an outgrowth of the highly successful and engaging San Jose State Beyond Football program that connects SJSU football team players with the community for volunteer and leadership activities and career development and enhancement.
An Opendorse partner since 2019, San José State is one of more than 100 colleges and universities representing over 40,000 student-athletes using Opendorse's platforms. Opendorse has established relationships with more than 100 nationally-known brands. Its partners also include the players associations of the National Football League (NFLPA), Major League Baseball (MLBPA), and the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBPA).