Delaware State Athletics proudly announces its official partnership with Opendorse, a nationally recognized NIL marketplace and technology leader, to create, host, and support innovative platforms aimed at enhancing exposure and opportunities for varsity DSU student-athletes engaging in name, image, and likeness (NIL) activities.

In collaboration with Opendorse, the partnership extends to all Delaware State student-athletes, introducing the Hornet Marketplace. This cutting-edge platform provides a safe and secure space for fans, brands, and potential partners to access the profiles of student-athletes participating in NIL activities. The Hornet Marketplace is designed with state-of-the-art features and dynamic tools, offering educational seminars to empower student-athletes to engage at their discretion while adhering to all relevant rules and regulations.

Alecia Shields-Gadson, DSU Director of Athletics, expresses enthusiasm for this transformative initiative, stating, "Delaware State University's commitment to preparing student-athletes for success beyond graduation is well-established. Now, we are thrilled to introduce the Hornet Marketplace as a platform for our student-athletes to fully capitalize on their NIL opportunities while actively competing."

"The partnership with Opendorse ensures comprehensive support for the NIL activities of DSU student-athletes, leveraging Opendorse's outstanding educational tools and direct assistance. This collaboration highlights the exceptional qualities of Hornet student-athletes – their drive, savviness, and success, making them ideal representatives for any organization", said Deputy Athletic Director Kyle Adams

Under this partnership, all 20 varsity athletic programs at Delaware State will empower student-athletes to build and personalize their profiles on the Hornet Marketplace. These profiles are tailored to the unique needs and

aspirations of each student-athlete, allowing for the promotion of personal social media channels and affiliations with other organizations, providing potential partners with valuable insights.

Blake Lawrence, Opendorse's CEO, praises Delaware State's standing as a premier academic and athletic institution, positioning student-athletes favorably to optimize NIL opportunities. He emphasizes, "The introduction of the Hornet Marketplace today underscores DSU Athletics' dedication to championing student-athletes both on and off the playing field. I eagerly anticipate witnessing the support that Hornet fans, brands, donors, and sponsors extend to our student-athletes." This collaboration signifies a substantial advancement in empowering student-athletes and cultivating meaningful relationships with their backers and partners.

About Opendorse Opendorse, the NIL company, is the leading marketplace technology in the athlete endorsement industry. More than 75,000 athletes use Opendorse to build and monetize their name, image, and likeness (NIL) with support from thousands of brands, fans, sponsors, donors and partners including over 100 collegiate sports teams, Team USA, PGA TOUR, NFLPA, MLBPA, WNBPA, LPGA, and more.