Oregon Air Max 1: Division Street Scores with NIL Sneakers

In the ever-evolving landscape of college athletics, the name on the front of the jersey often takes a backseat to the brand on the shoes. For the University of Oregon, that brand is Nike, and the Ducks have found a way to turn that partnership into a lucrative revenue stream for their student-athletes through the magic of NIL.

Division Street, the Oregon-driven NIL collective, has partnered with the university to release the “University of Oregon” Air Max 1 sneakers, a highly anticipated and limited-edition collectible that promises to be a slam dunk with fans and sneakerheads alike.

The release of these exclusive kicks is just the latest chapter in Division Street’s ongoing efforts to create unique revenue streams for Oregon athletes through the use of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) rights. The collective, which was launched in September 2021 by a group of alumni including Nike co-founder Phil Knight, has already made waves with previous sneaker drops such as Air Jordan 8s, a Dunk Low, and an Air Force 1 Low.

But the “University of Oregon” Air Max 1s take things to a whole new level. Inspired by the iconic Oregon Duck, these sneakers feature earth tones and an antique feel that sets them apart from the typical bright orange and yellow hues associated with the university. The shoes also boast the motto “Once a duck, always a duck” sewn onto the heel, a nod to the unwavering loyalty of Oregon fans.

What makes these sneakers even more special, however, is the fact that a portion of the proceeds from their sale will go directly to Oregon athletes. This is a crucial aspect of Division Street’s mission, as the collective seeks to provide tangible financial benefits to student-athletes through the monetization of their NIL rights.

“We’re thrilled to partner with the University of Oregon on this exciting release,” said Division Street CEO Rosemary St. Clair, a former vice president at Nike Women. “These sneakers are more than just a fashion statement; they represent the hard work and dedication of our student-athletes, and we’re proud to be able to support them in this way.”

The “University of Oregon” Air Max 1s will be available exclusively through GOAT, the leading sneaker resale platform, with more details to come. Given the limited nature of the release and the high demand for such collectibles, these sneakers are sure to be a hot commodity among Oregon fans and sneaker enthusiasts alike.

But this is just the beginning for Division Street. The collective has already established itself as one of the top NIL organizations in the country, thanks in part to its creative approach to revenue generation. From NFT auctions to apparel lines and partnerships with companies like Opendorse, Division Street is leaving no stone unturned in its quest to provide Oregon athletes with a steady stream of NIL income.

“We’re always looking for new and innovative ways to support our student-athletes,” said Sabrina Ionescu, former Oregon women’s basketball star and Division Street’s chief athlete officer and senior advisor. “The NIL landscape is constantly evolving, and we’re committed to staying ahead of the curve.”

One of the key factors behind Division Street’s success has been its strong communication with Oregon football coach Dan Lanning. The collective has made it a priority to work closely with the coaching staff, ensuring that their efforts are aligned with the university’s goals and that student-athletes are able to take full advantage of the opportunities provided.

“Division Street has been a tremendous asset to our program,” said Lanning. “Their support and guidance have been invaluable, and their commitment to our student-athletes is truly inspiring.”

As the NIL era continues to unfold, it’s clear that Division Street and the University of Oregon are leading the way in terms of leveraging these new opportunities. With the release of the “University of Oregon” Air Max 1s, they’ve not only created a coveted collectible but also a tangible symbol of their dedication to supporting student-athletes both on and off the field.