DOVER - Delaware State University announced Saturday, June 1 the launch of their very own NIL Collective, Hornet302Nation.

"We are excited to announce the launch of Hornet302Nation collective," said the Director of Athletics, Dr. Alecia Shields Gadson.

"When we look at the dynamic of the NCAA and how its landscape is changing drastically on a daily basis; it's important that we continue to develop our program in uniform."

Delaware State University Collectives Mission Statement and Philosophy:

Hornet302Nation operates within the NCAA and University guidelines as a model for HBCUs in capitalizing on NIL opportunities and cultivating the best experience for our student-athletes. We envision an elevated experience for our student-athletes given the NIL and its newly given opportunities. Our student-athletes will understand the value that they have on the new NCAA landscape and how they can properly monetize their NIL "Name, Image, Likeness" which allows them to grow their personal brands while elevating the DSU brand in the process.

"This collective will provide unique opportunities for our student-athletes, specifically providing them with the opportunity to receive compensation for their "Name, Image, and Likeness."

"This will also allow us to remain relevant in this competitive landscape and continue to raise the bar."

GOALS for Hornet302Nation:

• Generate NIL opportunities for DSU Student-Athletes to profit from their personal brands.
• Empower and invest in Student-Athletes at DSU by raising funds and providing resources to maximize their rights to NIL deals.
• Secure donor funding and sponsorship opportunities to help further the mission of DSU Athletics of building Champions, Scholars, and Citizens.
• Engage Student-Athletes in a meaningful way during the era of NIL and the transfer portal.
• Provide contributors with access to exclusive experiences, content, and marketing opportunities.

A collective is an organization formed to benefit student-athletes, usually at a specific institution. The models vary somewhat, but the basic premise of most is that an alum, or group of alums, band together to form a company whose goal is to provide NIL opportunities to student-athletes of that institution. How they find or provide those opportunities is where the models really differ.  

More information on NIL Collectives