(Petersburg, Va. and Lincoln, Neb. – May 1, 2026) – Virginia State University Athletics today announced a new partnership with Opendorse, the leading NIL technology, data, and service provider. Virginia State will become the first member of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) to partner with Opendorse, establishing a new standard for Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) support across the conference.
Through this partnership, Trojan student-athletes will gain access to a branded Opendorse Marketplace, giving fans, brands, and local businesses a direct and compliant way to connect with athletes for NIL opportunities. Virginia State will also implement Opendorse compliance tools, ensuring NIL activity is tracked, disclosed, and reported in alignment with NCAA, institutional, and legal requirements.
Virginia State student-athletes will also have access to the Opendorse NIL Masterclass and Education Library, on-demand learning resources, and expert-led webinars covering personal finance, contracts, taxes, and brand development. These tools are designed to prepare athletes not only for opportunities today, but for long-term success after their playing days are over.
"At Virginia State, our commitment to student success is rooted in innovation, access, and holistic support. This partnership with Opendorse reflects our focus on providing the tools and education our student-athletes need to thrive in an evolving landscape. As the first institution in the CIAA to make this investment, we are not only elevating opportunities for our students, but also equipping our coaches with a competitive advantage in a rapidly changing college athletics environment, positioning our program to compete and win at the highest level because at Virginia State, Greater Happens Here."
As the first CIAA institution to partner with Opendorse, Virginia State is positioning itself as a leader in NIL across one of the most historic conferences in college athletics. The move reflects a broader commitment to making sure Trojan student-athletes have access to the same caliber of tools, education, and opportunities used at programs across every level of college sports.
"Virginia State is setting the tone for what NIL can look like in the CIAA," said Jake Daugherty, Director, Collegiate Partnerships at Opendorse. "By being the first in the conference to make this investment, they are showing their student-athletes, their community, and their peers across the CIAA that NIL is a priority. We are proud to support the Trojans and look forward to helping their athletes build, promote, and monetize their personal brands."
Virginia State joins a growing national network of Division II institutions investing in NIL as an essential part of the student-athlete experience. From recruiting and retention to long-term personal development, programs across the country are recognizing that NIL support is no longer optional — it is a competitive necessity.
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 175,000 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 at julian.valentin@opendorse.com.
