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HelloNation and Opendorse Join Forces for a Groundbreaking NIL Program

In a significant move for college athletics, HelloNation and Opendorse have officially launched the HelloNation Athlete Program, an innovative initiative aimed at empowering student-athletes across the nation. This program is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first national NIL (name, image, likeness) initiative of its kind on the Opendorse platform, designed specifically to compensate college athletes for creating short-form video content that highlights the compelling stories from their hometowns.

The announcement was made on April 13, 2026, but the journey began earlier, with a partnership established on March 5, 2026. Central to the program’s promotion is the renowned actor Chris McDonald, famously known for his role as Shooter McGavin in Happy Gilmore. As the national spokesman for HelloNation, McDonald actively invites college athletes to participate, emphasizing that this opportunity is not merely a side hustle but a significant step towards a potential career in broadcast media.

In his welcoming message, McDonald stated, "HelloNation has over 30,000 opportunities nationwide. We’re actively building out a team of content creators, field correspondents, and brand ambassadors. This is your portfolio. This is your first byline." These words resonate with student-athletes, encouraging them to view this initiative as a pathway toward building their future in media.

The program allows athletes to complete various themed video assignments, referred to as 'Quests'. Each assignment spotlights elements of their hometowns—such as local teachers, impactful small businesses, and community traditions. The videos are concise, ranging from 45 to 90 seconds, and they are evaluated based on factors like communication clarity, storytelling skill, authenticity, and professionalism. Each athlete's performance contributes to a national leaderboard, creating an engaging competitive element.

HelloNation's vision extends beyond just providing a one-time NIL deal; they are committed to laying the foundation for long-term career growth. Athletes who excel in their assignments will have the chance to be considered for internships and full-time positions within HelloNation's expansive media network. This network comprises community-focused digital publications across various markets in the U.S., supported by strategic partnerships with respected organizations like the National Governors Association and the U.S. Conference of Mayors.

Bob Bartosiewicz, CEO of HelloNation, elaborated on the urgency of this initiative, stating, "We’re coming to these athletes at exactly the right time. The job market is shifting fast, and human-essential skills—storytelling, community connection, showing up and doing the work—are exactly what HelloNation is built around. This program gives student-athletes a real NIL opportunity today and a genuine career path for tomorrow. We're not looking for a single video; we're searching for the next wave of broadcasters, and we believe we’ll find them through this program."

Opendorse plays a vital role in this initiative by offering essential support for athlete outreach, deal creation, payment processing, management of tax documentation, compliance with disclosure regulations, and overall campaign administration. The company aims to facilitate seamless interactions between athletes and the program, promoting HelloNation to its extensive network of over 175,000 college athletes through targeted email campaigns and app notifications.

Steven Denton, CEO of Opendorse, shared his vision about the influence athletes hold in their communities, stating, "Student-athletes are heroes and role models, not only in their college towns but their hometowns as well. The HelloNation Athlete Program is a remarkable way to leverage athlete influence and create substantial value for all involved—athletes, advertisers, and communities. We take pride in actualizing this vision and anticipate showcasing thousands of unique athlete stories."

The program is structured on the principle of authenticity. College athletes are uniquely qualified to narrate the experiences that shaped their lives, thereby sharing insights about local businesses, educators, and cultural traditions. With HelloNation's network, these stories will be published in community-focused digital magazines, reaching audiences that extend beyond standard social media channels.

Looking ahead, HelloNation and Opendorse have plans to host monthly career-centric events. These events will feature live discussions with guest speakers from varied sectors, including media, sports, and business. Such opportunities will be exclusively accessible for participants of the program, solidifying the aim of fostering a nationwide network of athlete storytellers who will forge successful careers grounded in their local communities.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is known as America's Good News Network—a prominent media platform rooted in the belief that authentic stories shared by real people resonate most. Through its innovative approach to community-focused digital publications and its commitment to positive news, HelloNation highlights impactful narratives that inspire and inform.

About Opendorse

Opendorse stands at the forefront of NIL technology, driving initiatives that facilitate partnerships between athletes, brands, schools, and organizations. By supporting a vast network of college athletes, Opendorse is dedicated to enriching their experiences and providing tools that enhance their brand engagement.