Kent State University has launched the inception of its Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) program, The NIL Nest #PreparedToFly. The NIL Nest is a comprehensive plan to empower student-athletes to maximize their Name, Image and Likeness as well as enhance and protect their personal brand and gain the essential tools to navigate financial opportunities.
Several dozen Kent State student-athletes are already taking part in the Kent State Marketplace.
The program comes in response to a ruling earlier this summer from the NCAA that suspends NCAA name, image and likeness rules for all incoming and current student-athletes in all sports.
"One of the core values for our student-athletes is to boldly prepare them for life after sport," stated Franklin Porter Jr., Director of Athletics Diversity Outreach and Professional Impact. "The NIL Nest is essential to assist our student-athletes in achieving their goals in the NIL space and in life."
The NIL Nest initiative encompasses a blend of internal offerings including education, innovation, and campus/community collaborations, and pairs with the department's recently announced partnership with Opendorse.
Education
A robust educational program for our student-athletes has been established through a multi-faceted approach to keep them engaged and equipped to navigate the NIL landscape. Opendorse provides articles and Masterclass trainings including topics such as: financial literacy, mental health, social media, taxes, contracts, brand building, and athletes' perspectives.
In addition, KSU student-athletes will dive deeper into NIL education topics within the one-credit hour NCAA Policies & Leadership course, hosted by the Kent State sport administration degree program. Speakers incorporated within the course and additional programming include campus and community partners such as: Student Legal Services, LaunchNet- Entrepreneurship Mindset, University Communications & Marketing- social media training, brand building, tax professionals, and wealth managers.
This all-encompassing educational program is meant to be fluid, as the NIL landscape is constantly evolving, ensuring that the student-athletes are equipped with all the innovative tools necessary to succeed.
Innovation
By providing dedicated staff and resources, the NIL Nest ensures student-athletes stay compliant through real-time transaction tracking and automatic disclosures. The partnership with Opendorse has afforded our student-athletes to build their brands with embedded tools such as music and media libraries, social media data and analytics, and accessible tax documents.
Collaboration
Kent State Athletics will continue to provide ongoing education and build relationships with business partners, allowing its student-athletes opportunities to monetize their NIL and personal brand.
"Our student-athletes have a lot to juggle, with practice, class, competition and community engagement, and our goal was to streamline this process." Porter added. "We are very intentional about providing educational sessions to our business community partners locally and nationwide to educate them on Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), how to engage with our student-athletes in a compliant manner and how to navigate our Kent State Marketplace."
The process to connect with Kent State student-athletes is relatively simple. Once a business registers on the Kent State Marketplace, they gain access to a roster of student-athletes representing all 19 athletic programs. Businesses can directly connect with student-athletes to create campaigns, discuss deals, upload contracts, and make secured payments all within the Kent State Marketplace, making the entire NIL process efficient and effective.
Register now for the Kent State Marketplace. For more information or questions regarding the NIL process please contact Frank Porter Jr., Director of Athletics Diversity Outreach and Professional Impact or Phil Tizio Associate Athletics Director for Compliance