San Diego State Athletics Launches Aztec Advantage

San Diego State Athletics announced today the launch of Aztec Advantage a comprehensive Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) program. The Aztec Advantage program is designed to educate and empower student-athletes in this new era of collegiate sports.  

The Aztecs Advantage program ensures that its student-athletes have a 360-degree understanding of how to best take advantage of their NIL, focusing on education, empowerment, opportunities and protection.

"The San Diego State athletics department is excited to announce new initiatives around Name, Image and Likeness [NIL]," San Diego State Director of Athletics John David Wicker said. "Last summer, student-athletes gained the opportunity to take advantage of their NIL. This was another positive step in our institution's support of our student-athletes. Since that time the athletics department has developed multiple programs to support our student-athletes in their NIL opportunities. Through partnerships with Opendorse Ready and Team Altemus, and support from our NIL Coordinator Michelle Meyer, out student-athletes are excited and ready to engage our San Diego community."  

With education being at the forefront of SDSU's priorities, Aztec Advantage provides educational resources and programming to student-athletes through partnerships with Opendorse Ready and Team Altemus, integration into the SDSU's Aztec Going Pro Program, and through individualized support from full-time NIL coordinator Michelle Meyer.  

The Aztec Advantage program will connect local businesses, fans and alumni to San Diego State student-athletes for NIL activities through two platforms - Opendorse and Empower Aztecs. Opendorse allows brands and fans to "pitch anything" from an appearance to an autograph signing to a campus tour, while the Empower Aztecs platform is a turnkey source that connects and facilitates local businesses, supporters, and fans to SDSU student-athletes for NIL activations.  

The Aztec Advantage program is the result of extensive engagement with student-athletes, coaches and San Diego State's NIL Leadership Team to develop a program to fit its needs. 
The program will also offer protection to ensure all rules are being followed.  

"San Diego State athletes have an amazing opportunity to capitalize on their NIL," Meyer said. "We live in the eighth-largest city in the country, have an incredible alumni network, and a dedicated fanbase. Aztec Advantage is designed to empower both our athletes and our community to engage in rewarding NIL activations. I am so excited to provide guidance and watch our athletes thrive in this new era of collegiate sports."