Youngstown State University's Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is excited to launch the "Penguins NIL" program to help YSU embrace the new college athletics landscape in Name, Image & Likeness.
With the implementation of the House v. NCAA settlement and ensuing NIL rule changes, YSU Athletics can now enter into NIL agreements directly with Penguins student-athletes to provide enhanced NIL opportunities.
"The college athletics world has certainly been reshaped in recent years, first by NIL and now by new rules after the settlement," said YSU Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Ron Strollo. "We intend to continue to be a leader and at the forefront as we enter into this new era."
Tyler Burk, YSU's Director of NIL, added, "The new college athletics landscape has provided a tremendous opportunity for YSU to be on the cutting edge and position ourselves as a leader among not only mid-majors, but all of Division I."
Youngstown State has had tremendous success in the Name, Image & Likeness space since its inception in 2021. YSU student-athletes have earned over $520,000 in NIL deals in each of the last three seasons, and 11 different teams last year had at least $1,000 apiece in earnings. There have been more than 350 NIL deals disclosed in the last three years, and YSU student-athletes have worked with national brands such as Dunkin', Amazon, Snapchat, Servpro, WWE, Bumble and SWTHZ. There have also been numerous local collaborations.
As part of the implementation of the Penguins NIL program, YSU has increased its partnership with Opendorse and added relationships with additional companies to benefit student-athletes.
Fans can support Penguins NIL directly through the online giving page on YSUsports.com or by contacting Burk at tjburk@ysu.edu or 330-941-3283.
Partnerships
Opendorse
YSU and Opendorse have been partners for more than four years and increased their partnership heading into the 2025-26 academic year. Opendorse is the leader for NIL software, and this increased partnership will provide YSU Athletics with the resources, data, and analysis to continue to thrive in the NIL space.
"It's been a pleasure working with Youngstown State for the past few years as we approached this new era of college athletics," said Blake Lawrence, Co-Founder & President, Collegiate Operations at Opendorse. "Now that rev-share is here with all of its challenges and opportunities, we're excited to build upon a strong foundation through new solutions and deeper engagement. The Penguins are innovators with a top-notch staff. They do things the right way, and they will continue to lead in the future."
Visit YSU's Opendorse Marketplace
Fanstake
Fanstake and YSU Athletics are partnering to support YSU student-athletes. Fans can receive a $10 credit to directly support any student-athlete. If the athlete transfers to turns professional, fans receive a full refund. The $10 credit is redeemable at the link below.
Claim your $10 credit on Fanstake.
Merchandise - YSU NIL Store and Athlete's Thread
Penguin fans can purchase officially licensed YSU merchandise from their favorite student-athletes at the YSU NIL Store and on Athlete's Thread. A percentage of each sale from those two sites goes directly to the student-athlete.
Purchase on NIL Store | Purchase on Athlete's Thread
