Kent State Athletics and the Blue and Gold Collective Announce Strategic Partnership with Roy, Inc.
Kent State Athletics and the Blue and Gold Collective are proud to announce an exciting partnership with Roy, Inc., a sports tech company reshaping the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) landscape through its innovative NIL app. This collaboration reinforces Kent State University’s commitment to fostering excellence in student-athletes by equipping them with the resources to succeed in the evolving landscape of college athletics.
The Blue and Gold Collective, Kent State’s official NIL collective, is dedicated to enhancing the student-athlete experience by connecting opportunities, providing support, and building a community-driven approach to NIL. The partnership with Roy further amplifies these efforts, offering a platform that empowers athletes to maximize their NIL potential through fan-driven support while giving fans an exciting new way to impact the future of Kent State athletics.
Roy is an app that Kent State alumni and supporters can download directly to their handheld devices through Google Play or the App Store. Once downloaded, fans can create an account and contribute to their favorite Kent State student-athletes’ NIL initiatives. In exchange for their support, fans will receive exclusive video content, fostering a deeper connection between supporters and the student-athletes they cheer for.
“This partnership is aligned with our mission to equip student-athletes with the tools to thrive both on and off the field,” said Vice President and Director of Athletics, Randale L. Richmond. “With Roy and the Blue and Gold Collective, this provides another tool to support an innovative NIL ecosystem that embodies our values of competitive excellence, integrity, and collaboration.”
A Game-Changing Collaboration
Roy is a groundbreaking platform that enables all student-athletes to maximize their NIL potential while in college. Unlike other NIL opportunities that often cater to only the highest-profile athletes, Roy is designed to provide equitable opportunities for athletes of every sport, skill level, and background. By allowing fans to directly support the athletes of their choice, Roy opens doors for student-athletes to unlock their full market value. This partnership represents a commitment to fostering inclusivity and innovation in the NIL space, giving Kent State athletes more ways to benefit from their hard work and dedication.
“At the Blue and Gold Collective, our goal is to provide student-athletes with the resources they need to succeed during and beyond their time at Kent State,” said Mike Beder. “This partnership with Roy strengthens our commitment to empowering our athletes and ensuring they remain leaders on and off the field.”
Cale Johnston, Founder and CEO of Roy, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We built Roy to empower athletes and give fans a transparent, direct way to make an impact. This collaboration with Kent State Athletics and the Blue and Gold Collective showcases how Roy can strengthen the connection between fans and athletes while helping players unlock their full potential. We’re thrilled to support Kent State’s athletes and the incredible community behind them.”
About Kent State Athletics and the Blue and Gold Collective
Kent State Athletics is built on a foundation of excellence, fostering academic, athletic, and personal success. Guided by the values of integrity, respect, and accountability, Kent State Athletics strives to inspire the next generation of leaders through the transformative power of sports.
The Blue and Gold Collective plays a crucial role in advancing the NIL opportunities available to Kent State student-athletes. By bridging the gap between the university, businesses, and the community, the collective supports student-athletes in pursuing their goals while maintaining a strong connection to the Golden Flashes family.
About Roy, Inc.
Roy is an innovative NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) mobile app that connects college athletes directly with their fans, offering a transparent, fan-driven marketplace. Fans can make direct payments to their favorite athletes in exchange for exclusive content, helping athletes maximize their NIL potential as a student-athlete. Roy ensures that payments go to the athlete chosen by the fan. Fans receive their money back if the athlete transfers or does not provide the promised content. To learn more, visit joinroy.com.
For more information about Kent State Athletics, the Blue and Gold Collective, and ROY, Inc., visit: