(Pensacola, Fla. and Lincoln, Neb. – Oct. 6, 2026) – The University of West Florida has announced a new partnership with Opendorse, the leading Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) technology, data, and service provider. The agreement builds on Opendorse's existing work with the NIL collective supporting Argonaut student-athletes and will now extend that support across the athletic department.
Through this partnership, UWF student-athletes will gain access to on-demand NIL education, expert-led webinars, and premium video content covering contracts, marketing, taxes, personal finance, and brand development. Virtual NIL education sessions led by the Opendorse team will bring live instruction to Argonaut athletes, and a dedicated success manager will support department staff from onboarding through daily operations.
"Our commitment to student-athlete success extends well beyond the field of competition," said
Meghan Barter, UWF Senior Associate Athletic Director/SWA. "Partnering with Opendorse provides our student-athletes with the resources, education and tools necessary to confidently navigate the evolving NIL landscape. This collaboration reflects our commitment to preparing UWF student-athletes for success both during their collegiate careers and throughout their lives."
UWF will also launch a branded NIL Marketplace, giving fans, alumni, and local businesses a direct and compliant way to connect with their favorite Argonauts for NIL opportunities.
"NIL provides our student-athletes with an opportunity to build something that extends beyond their performance on the field, their personal brand," said Justin Bennett, UWF Assistant Athletic Director for Development. "Our partnership with Opendorse will help UWF student-athletes understand their unique value, develop their brands and connect with meaningful NIL opportunities, while gaining valuable skills and experiences that can serve them well beyond their collegiate careers."
The partnership arrives in UWF's first year of NCAA Division I competition. The Argonauts now compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference as a full multi-sport member and the United Athletic Conference as a football-playing member. With the athletic department and the collective working on the same platform, UWF student-athletes will have one place to build their brands and manage their NIL activity.
"West Florida has built a winning program, and the move to Division I raises the stakes for every Argonaut," said Blake Lawrence, Co-Founder & President, Collegiate Operations at Opendorse. "We have seen what this community can do for its athletes through our work with the collective. Now the athletic department is putting education and a branded marketplace behind that support, so UWF student-athletes start their Division I careers ready to grow their brands."
UWF's 15 varsity programs earned 11 national championships and 141 conference titles at the Division II level. As the Argonauts carry that tradition into Division I, this partnership gives every student-athlete the education and resources to build a personal brand on a bigger stage.
About Opendorse
Opendorse is the technology, data, and service platform powering the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) industry for colleges, collectives, consumers, and commercial partners. More than 200,000 athlete influencers use Opendorse to build, promote, and monetize their personal brands through the largest athlete media network.
For media inquiries, contact Opendorse Manager, Marketing and Social Media Blake Schaben at
blake.schaben@opendorse.com
