University of Maryland athletics launches marketplace for student athletes
COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- The University of Maryland launched a new way for student athletes to make money.
Maryland Marketplace, powered through Opendorse, will allow Maryland student athletes to monetize their name, image and likeness, or NIL.
It's been more that year since college athletes have been granted the ability to make money off NIL. Now, colleges are doing what they can to help their student athletes market themselves to the public.
The platform provides Maryland fans with options to support athletes such as, purchasing a "shoutout" or having the athlete attend an event.
"We strive to be a national leader in the NIL space and the launch of the Maryland Marketplace powered by Opendorse is another example of Maryland leading bolding," said Damon Evans, Barry P. Gossett Director of Athletics. "Our relationship with Opendorse continues to be robust and we are working daily on education and opportunities for our Terp student-athletes to prosper in the NIL era."
Each Terp athlete will receive an Opendorse profile and will have the ability to accept the opportunities of support.
"Being able to profit off of who I am as a student, and an athlete here at Maryland is just amazing," said University of Maryland women's soccer midfielder Catherine DeRosa.
Former Maryland athletes can also be accessed through the platform.
The most expensive Terp is currently Vernon Davis, who most recently played for the NFL's Washington Commanders. A shoutout from Davis costs $5,000 dollars.
Jason Yellin, the athletics department's strategic communications officer, said the Maryland Marketplace helps the athletes navigate the world of NIL by not only connecting them to clients but by suggesting pricing, helping them build their brand and making sure they're compliant with the NCAA.
"We have student athletes. So you're a student, you're an athlete and now as part of NIL you're also an entrepreneur. You're a business person," said Yellin.
The University of Maryland has also created a new position that will specifically deal with NIL.
