NIL Options For Non-Division I Student-Athletes

While NIL discussion in the media is often centered on just the activities of Division I college student-athletes, there are plenty of options for those at the levels of competition. Here’s how Pacific Lutheran University, a Division III athletics program, is providing opportunities for its student-athletes.

The Pacific Lutheran NIL program has two components.

Courtesy Pacific Lutheran University Athletics

PLU has partnership with Opendorse: $3K Earmarked for NIL Opportunities

Through the Opendorse Sales Plan™, Pacific Lutheran student-athletes can access the company’s platform for help with content delivery, education, compliance tools, and brand campaigns. PLU Athletes can use Opendorse to build their personal brand, browse and apply for NIL opportunities, and connect with brands and fans.

PLU has a dedicated NIL marketplace on Opendorse called the Luteville Marketplace, which connects student-athletes directly with fans, supporters, and business partners.

The $3,000 amount earmarked by Opendorse for NIL opportunities for Pacific Lutheran student-athletes, is not a guaranteed payout to the athletes. PLU Athletes still need to engage with the Opendorse platform and secure deals. And any compensation received must be within fair market value and not for work not performed or as an incentive to attend or continue at PLU. 

Certain PLU teams are part of the NIL Club

The NIL Club is a student-run, fan-supported platform that “allows student-athletes to collectively monetize their name, image and likeness through exclusive content.

According to the NIL Club website, “The athletes “as a group, can decide how they want to build their NIL club.” These clubs are managed by the athletes themselves, who create and share exclusive content with their supporters, whom join the club as subscribers. 

The subscribers to the NIL club provide financial support through monthly commitments, with proceeds split among participating athletes, according to the NIL Club website.  Subscribers thereby gain access to exclusive content, such as behind-the-scenes footage, and Q&A sessions.

Pacific Lutheran University has NIL Clubs for its bowling team, men's basketball team, and women's track and field team, according to NIL Club.  As an example, here’s a link to the PLU men’s basketball NIL club.