ARLINGTON – UT Arlington Athletics has launched a new, easily accessible platform to support its student-athletes in their Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) endeavors.
 
In collaboration with Opendorse – a nationwide NIL leader and marketplace technology company in the student-athlete endorsement industry – the Mavericks have established their brand-new official NIL marketplace: MAKIN' BUCKS.
 
A play off the monetization of NIL, the MAKIN' BUCKS name was instituted to remain consistent with UTA's revitalization of the #BuckEm hashtag this year, in addition to helping make holistic student-athletes who are positioned to succeed at UTA and beyond.
 
The MAKIN' BUCKS platform affords fans, supporters, vendors and potential companies access to UTA student-athlete profiles, and provides an avenue to securely pitch those they are interested in pursuing for NIL opportunities.
 
Utilizing Opendorse's dynamic and seamless platform, student-athletes work directly with any individual inquiries and outreach. Interested third parties will have the ability to instantaneously pitch, book and compensate UTA student-athletes for NIL events and activities in one compliant and secure platform, constructed specifically for each student-athletes' needs. Those compensable activities range from video shoutouts, in-person or virtual appearances, social media endorsements and more.
 
"This is another exciting avenue we are pleased to provide our student-athletes as we expand our NIL realm," stated Director of Athletics Jon Fagg. "MAKIN' BUCKS provides a direct touchpoint among fans, business leaders and potential partners with our student-athletes to help empower them to capitalize on their name, image and likeness in a prolific top-5 national media market."
 
All of UTA's student-athletes have the option to develop an individualized Opendorse profile. That profile is customized to their various needs, interests and types of projects they are pursuing, while promoting personal social media channels and other ventures. The space permits every student-athlete to not only make their personal brand more robust, but also be readily accessible as clients for NIL opportunities.
 
The MAKIN' BUCKS marketplace is the latest in UTA's NIL development, coming on the heels of a group licensing agreement with The Brandr Group (TBG) in the fall which will enable student-athletes to profit using the school's official trademarks and logos. Fans can expect to be able to purchase official UTA merchandise, including team jerseys with the name and number of Maverick players who have joined the respective group licensing program. More information on the type of, and when, merchandise will be available to be purchased is expected in advance of the 2023-24 seasons.
 
In addition to the Brandr partnership and now-launched Opendorse marketplace, UTA Athletics will continue to provide its student-athletes with best-in-class compliance, content and educational tools to navigate and maximize the NIL space.
 
ABOUT OPENDORSE
The Opendorse marketplace is built on a decade of athlete marketing technology and experience. Opendorse has facilitated hundreds of thousands of NIL deals and endorsements with athletes at all levels of sports. The Opendorse marketplace is used by over 75,000 athletes to manage deals from pitch to payment, and even tax preparation.
 
FOLLOW THE MAVS SOCIALLY
For up-to-date news, photos and videos, follow UTA Athletics online at UTAMavs.com or via several social media accounts on Twitter @UTAMavs, Instagram @UTAMavs and Facebook /UTAMavs.