Syracuse Athletics launches NIL collective Orange United

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Syracuse University Athletics on Tuesday unveiled Orange United, which the school describes as the “preferred” NIL collective for Syracuse student-athletes to leverage their Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) opportunities.

Orange United is “powered” by Atlanta, Georgia–based Student Athlete NIL, or SANIL, Syracuse University said in its Tuesday announcement.

Orange United joins Athletes Who Care as another partner in the NIL space aimed at assisting all Orange student-athletes.

“We are excited about the launch of Orange United, the preferred collective of Syracuse Athletics, that is designed to reach Syracuse fans with multiple ways to make a direct impact in supporting all 600 of our student-athletes,” John Wildhack, director of athletics at Syracuse University, said in Tuesday’s announcement. “Orange United is a terrific complement to Athletes Who Care, which launched last year. Today signifies an important milestone in advancing our NIL efforts to benefit all student-athletes across our 20 sports.”

As Syracuse Athletics describes it, the mission of Orange United is to “leverage the collective power of Orange fans, alumni, and supporters to equip student-athletes with the tools and resources necessary to excel” both during their time in Syracuse and beyond.

Orange United will engage with individuals, businesses, and monthly subscribers to fund NIL activities, including autograph signings, personal appearances and endorsements, the school said.

Each membership level offers exclusive benefits, and those participating can designate contributions by specific sport.

Mark Hayes, who has served as the vice president for sales/revenue development for the Syracuse Crunch Hockey Club since 2017, will be the Orange United general manager, Syracuse University said.

Through a partnership with Syracuse Sports Properties, Orange United received the “preferred” status, which gives it access to Syracuse Athletics branding and marks and allows it to promote the collective at Orange home contests, per the announcement.

Those interested in learning more about Orange United’s mission can visit OrangeUnited.com, Syracuse University said.