Kent State Athletics and The Blue and Gold Collective Announce Partnership to Elevate Student-Athlete NIL Opportunities
11/26/2024 1:01:00 PM | General
KENT -Â Kent State University Athletics is excited to announce an innovative and essential partnership with The Blue and Gold Collective, a Kent-based initiative focused on enhancing Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities for Golden Flashes student-athletes. This collaboration underscores Kent State's commitment to creating a supportive and competitive environment, empowering student-athletes with the resources needed to thrive both on and off the field. The partnership is facilitated in part by Family & Children Services which provides essential services to Portage County, etc., and is proud to support KSU Athletics and appreciates the support of the student-athletes in attending and promoting F & CS initiatives.
"Adding the Blue and Gold Collective to our sponsorship portfolio is yet another exciting opportunity for Kent State Athletics," said VP and Director of Athletics Randale L. Richmond. "In the changing landscape of collegiate athletics, it's essential for the growth of our programs to have sponsorship partners like the Blue and Gold Collective to aid all Kent State student-athletes with the opportunity to leverage, promote, and maximize their personal brand. This partnership aligns with our mission to graduate student-athletes, boldly prepared for life after sport, and win championships and we appreciate Mike Beder for creating an outlet that helps us do just that."
As NIL continues to reshape the college sports landscape, entities like The Blue and Gold Collective are another avenue for student-athletes to engage in impactful partnerships. This collaboration embodies Kent State's forward-thinking vision, equipping student-athletes with tools to build personal brands and establish pathways for lasting success.
"Our goal is to help student-athletes feel supported, not only financially but as integral parts of the Kent State community," said Mike Beder, co-founder of The Blue and Gold Collective. "We aim to prepare them for success both now and well beyond their playing careers."
James Burge, General Manager of Van Wagner, Kent State Athletics' Multimedia Rights Partner, also emphasized the importance of NIL opportunities. "At Van Wagner, we're thrilled about the chance NIL provides for local and national brands to collaborate with our talented student-athletes," said Burge. "These partnerships not only benefit the companies but also help student-athletes develop valuable skills in building and managing a brand. Local businesses can now promote their goods and services through these athletes, who, in turn, gain real-world experience in growing a business. It's a win-win that benefits all parties."
This collaboration builds upon Kent State's existing NIL framework, which includes support from Opendorse, a platform empowering athletes to manage and maximize their NIL potential. Together, The Blue and Gold Collective and Opendorse will help Kent State athletes engage with fans and brands, gain invaluable experience, and contribute to the university's athletic legacy.
To learn more about supporting Kent State Athletics through Opendorse and The Blue and Gold Collective, please visit https://www.blueandgoldcollective.com or contact Malik DeVese at mdevese@kent.edu.
