MANKATO, Minn. --- Minnesota State University is pleased to announce the launch of the Maverick Line Change Collective (MLCC), which will serve as the official collective of the MSU Men's Hockey program.
 
The Maverick Line Change Collective is overseen by a board of directors, independent of MSU Athletics, with a goal to deliver a premier Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) solution that enables Minnesota State to attract and develop gifted student-athletes who perform at high levels in hockey as well as helping to enable student-athletes to become well-equipped to thrive in athletic, academic, and entrepreneurial pursuits. It plans to pool funds from fans, alumni, and businesses to help facilitate NIL deals and monetize student-athlete brands.
 
"We are working diligently to keep pace in a rapidly challenging collegiate landscape and the addition of a collective is the next logical step along that continuum," said Minnesota State Director of Athletics Kevin Buisman. "The Maverick Line Change Collective puts a very important tool in our coach's toolbox, as they navigate the best path to student-athlete recruitment and retention. I applaud the leadership of private supporters committed to the advancement of our men's hockey program who have worked hard and been instrumental in the behind the scenes efforts necessary to successfully launch this initiative."
 
The MLCC has met extensively with Minnesota State Athletics to ensure alignment with the mission and ideals of the athletic department. MSU Administration responded favorably to the mission of the Maverick Line Change Collective, which will focus on NIL opportunities for the Maverick Men's Hockey program. The MLCC's efforts will be focused on leveraging the unique opportunities presented by NIL activities that will allow Maverick Men's Hockey to attract and retain student-athletes.
 
"The Maverick Line Change Collective was created with the goal of supporting student-athletes at Minnesota State University by facilitating legal and compliant NIL opportunities as well as helping those athletes prepare for the future," said Michelle Schooff, MSU Alum and Maverick Line Change Collective Board Chair. "This is a chance for Maverick Hockey fans from around the world to support student-athletes while receiving exclusive access and benefits through all levels of membership.  I am proud to chair an organization that is passionate about the success of our MSU hockey program.  Investing in our players, while allowing them to benefit from their hard work and dedication will set them up for success beyond the game, which is paramount to today's student athletes."
 
The Maverick Line Change Collective has engaged with nationally renowned NIL technology leader Opendorse to provide a platform for the collective.  Opendorse is the leading athlete marketplace and  NIL technology company, and has partnered with the Minnesota State Athletic Department for its comprehensive NIL needs since 2021.  Opendorse serves the full lifecycle of supporting athletes:  educating, assessing, planning, sharing, creating, measuring, tracking, disclosing, regulating, listing, browsing, booking, and more. Their industry-leading NIL solutions help athletes and their supporters understand, build, protect, and monetize their brand value. 

"NIL collectives are changing the game in college athletics and it is important for our program to be a leader in this area," said Minnesota State Men's Hockey Head Coach Luke Strand. "The Maverick Line Change Collective will provide essential support for our players to thrive in a competitive environment and help us both attract top talent and create lasting opportunities that enhance team performance and strengthen the program as a whole.  With the incredible backing of our fans and supporters, this initiative will allow everyone to contribute to our Men's Hockey program in meaningful ways, offering several levels of participation and giving opportunities to help our players excel both on the ice and off."
 
The launch of the Maverick Line Change Collective pairs with the most recent change to Minnesota State's NIL Procedures, which now allows Official Corporate Partners to be able to utilize Maverick athletic branding and apparel in NIL deals with MSU student-athletes. MSU's updated NIL Procedures can be found on www.msumavericks.com.
 
Those wanting to learn more about and contribute to the Maverick Line Change Collective can find more information at www.linechangenil.com.