Williamsburg, KY – University of the Cumberlands has signed a partnership agreement with Opendorse for to assist in Name, Image, and Likeness for their student-athletes, Athletic Director Chris Kraftick announced Monday. The Patriots become the first NAIA school to take advantage of Opendorse full NIL offering.

"University of the Cumberlands Athletics is excited to partner with Opendorse to assist our student-athletes in exploring NIL opportunities," said Kraftick. "Name, image, and likeness is just one-way the college athletics landscape is changing, and we must recognize that as a department and institution and lead the way into the future."

Opendorse provides technology to aide student-athletes throughout the entire lifecycle of managing the endorsement industry including educating, assessing, and track potential NIL deals.  They have worked with  over 70,000 athletes and 2,000 sports organizations throughout  the country.

Founded in 2012 and based out of Lincoln, Nebraska, Opendorse has partnered with players across several professional sports leagues, as well as NCAA Division I schools to aide student-athletes with their ability to market and generate NIL deals. 

The NAIA announced its NIL Legislation on October 6, 2020 making the NAIA the first organization to allow student-athletes the opportunity to be compensated for use of their Name, Image, and Likeness.  The NAIA announced its partnership with Opendorse earlier this year.

Cumberlands has 28 varsity sports and is coming off of consecutive top-ten finishes in the Learfield's Director Cup.

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