ROCKLIN, Calif. – Jessup Athletics today announced a historic partnership with Opendorse to assist with the university's Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) efforts. The partnership creates the opportunity for Jessup athletes to profit from their NIL.

Opendorse is the leading athletic marketplace and NIL firm in college athletics. Through the Opendorse platform, Jessup athletes can connect with advertisers, donors, and supporters, giving student-athletes a chance to monetize their personal brands. Jessup will also unlock Opendorse's network of educational materials and services—from on-campus engagement to webinars and on-demand modules.

Over 115,000 college athletes currently use Opendorse. Jessup University and its nearly 400 student-athletes will have profiles through the Opendorse online platform that allows organizations to connect and create partnerships.

"At Jessup University, we believe in empowering our student-athletes both on and off the field," said Vice President of Athletics Lance Von Vogt. "Our partnership with Opendorse takes us one step closer to offering our athletes the chance to not only pursue their athletic and academic dreams but to do so in a way that sets them up for financial success. By leveraging NIL opportunities, we're giving them the chance to leave college debt-free or even in a positive financial position, all while upholding our Christian values and commitment to excellence."

Jessup University is in its second year of provisional membership with NCAA Division II. The 2024-25 academic year was Jessup's first in the Division II environment as a member of the Pacific West Conference (PacWest). The university previously held membership in the NAIA from 2004-24.

Von Vogt continued, "As we embark on this new chapter as an NCAA Division II program, we are more committed than ever to competing for championships and developing well-rounded student-athletes. Through Opendorse, we're providing our athletes with the tools and resources they need to navigate the world of NIL, ensuring that they can maximize their opportunities in a way that aligns with our mission to offer a Christ-centered higher education."

Opendorse has been working with college athletes and athletic departments for over a decade. The company was founded by two former football players at the University of Nebraska to help like-minded athletes manage and monetize their brand. Now, Opendorse has over 200 collegiate partners across the country—at all levels.

"We are proud to work alongside Jessup Athletics as they fully commit to providing opportunities for their athletes," said Opendorse Co-Founder & President, Collegiate Operations Blake Lawrence. "They're investing in the best of the best, which is exciting to see. The vision of Lance and the team is inspiring—how they plan to use NIL to empower their athletes and create life-changing opportunities. A strong, organized NIL program is a must to compete at the highest level, and this partnership is proof that the Warriors are ready."

"Our goal at Jessup University is to be a flagship NCAA Division II program, and this NIL partnership with Opendorse is one of the ways we're achieving that," added Von Vogt. "We are setting our student-athletes up for success – not just on the court, but in life after graduation. With Opendorse, we're opening doors for them to not only enhance their college experience but to also provide financial stability that will benefit them long after they leave our campus."

The partnership with Opendorse will go live for athletes beginning in the 2025-26 athletic season. More information on the partnership and ways to connect with Jessup athletes will be available on jessupathletics.com.
 
About Jessup
Jessup University is a provisional member of the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division II and the PacWest Conference. For additional information regarding Jessup Athletics, visit www.jessupathletics.com; visit www.jessup.edu for more information on Jessup University. Follow Jessup Athletics on social media: Jessup University Athletics (Facebook) and @JessupAthletics (Instagram & X).

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 150,000 athlete influencers use Opendorse to build, promote, and monetize their personal brands through the largest athlete media network.
 
For media inquiries, contact Opendorse SVP, Collegiate Services & Marketing Julian Valentin (julian.valentin@opendorse.com) or Jessup Sports Information Director Matt Horrocks (mshorrocks@jessup.edu).