Providence College Launches NIL Marketplace For Athletes

PROVIDENCE, RI — Name, image and likeness opportunities have completely transformed money-making opportunities for college sport's biggest stars.

Providence College, whose sports profile is growing, particularly on the basketball court under head coach Ed Cooley, has launched a new marketplace which officials hope will help athletes manage these opportunities.

It's called the AdvantEdge Friar Marketplace, and in conjunction with Opendorse, and college officials say it allows fans, brands, sponsors and donors to "browse, pitch, book and pay any Friar student-athlete for NIL activities in one compliant platform, built specifically for the athletes' needs."

"We are excited to unveil the AdvantEdge Friar Marketplace which provides our student-athletes with the highest level of support for opportunities with their Name, Image and Likeness," Providence College Athletic Director Steve Napolillo said.

"Friartown is a special place and we believe this marketplace will allow our passionate fans and donors, as well as the business community a direct path to support our student-athletes. As the NIL space continues to evolve, Providence College will strive to be at the forefront."

According to the college's athletic department, Opendorse has facilitated hundreds of thousands of NIL deals and endorsements with athletes at every level of sports. The marketplace is used by over 75,000 athletes to manage deals from pitch to payment, and even tax prep, every day.

The NIL company launched its initial school-specific NIL marketplaces with six partners throughout the spring of 2022. Student-athletes at these institutions experienced a 193 percent increase in NIL opportunities in the first month after the marketplace's launch, officials said.

According to the athletic department, every student-athlete at the college has received a profile, which they can customize and promote to fans on their social media channels. They also have full decision-making power over what deals they accept and participate in.

In addition to current Providence College athletes, the Opendorse database includes past stars like Aljami Durham, AJ Reeves, Nate Watson, Justin Minaya and Noah Horchler.