MSU Board of Trustees Authorizes Affiliation Agreement Initiating Spartan Ventures; Modernized Structure Brings Innovative Business Approach To Support Spartan Student-Athletes
10/31/2025 10:45:00 AM | General
EAST LANSING, Mich. -Â At Friday's public meeting, Michigan State University's Board of Trustees authorized MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz to enter into an Affiliation Agreement with a new non-profit, tax-exempt corporation to be known as Spartan Ventures, designed to advance, promote and support MSU's department of athletics.
The establishment of Spartan Ventures modernizes Michigan State Athletics and demonstrates the department's commitment to operating on the leading edge of the new landscape of college athletics. It will strengthen MSU Athletics' long-term competitiveness, expand opportunities for student-athletes, and increase innovation in how the university engages with fans, partners and communities.
Spartan Ventures, and its subsidiary non-profit, tax-exempt corporation Spartan Athletics Foundation, will focus on maximizing revenue generating opportunities, supporting NIL opportunities for student-athletes, and establishes a more focused approach to fundraising, enhancing a first-class experience for student-athletes, donors and external partners.
"College athletics is evolving rapidly, and this model allows Michigan State to remain proactive," said J Batt, Michigan State University Vice President and Director of Athletics. "We will continue to prioritize our student-athletes' experience, education, and well-being while building a sustainable future for the next generation of Spartans.
"Spartan Ventures will provide the structure to operate with strategic innovation in a changing athletic landscape, providing the resources required for the department to achieve excellence, reclaiming our place as a Top 10 athletic department nationally. I'm grateful to the Board of Trustees and President Guskiewicz for their support of this modernized approach to maximizing our world-class athletics program.
"In addition to realizing new and expanded revenue generation for the department, Spartan Ventures will greatly enhance the NIL opportunities and support for our student-athletes," continued Batt. "Donors and corporate partners will enjoy an improved experience and new opportunities to engage with our brand. Spartan Ventures will benefit from private-sector advantages including operational flexibility, a revenue generation focused approach, and enhanced talent recruitment, while balancing innovation with institutional alignment and a continued connection to the collegiate model. This framework will be established in alignment with Michigan State's inherent grit, collaboration and ingenuity to optimize its competitive advantages."
Work to fully implement and actualize Spartan Ventures and the Spartan Athletics Foundation will continue over the next six to eight months with an expected launch in Summer 2026.
The university will retain full institutional oversight of all academic, compliance and student welfare functions within athletics. The new structure is designed to provide greater flexibility in business operations while maintaining the values of integrity, equity, and excellence that define Michigan State University.
Spartan Ventures will be overseen by a dedicated leadership group and board of directors including representatives from the university's administration, ensuring decisions remain aligned with institutional priorities and values.
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The establishment of Spartan Ventures modernizes Michigan State Athletics and demonstrates the department's commitment to operating on the leading edge of the new landscape of college athletics. It will strengthen MSU Athletics' long-term competitiveness, expand opportunities for student-athletes, and increase innovation in how the university engages with fans, partners and communities.
Spartan Ventures, and its subsidiary non-profit, tax-exempt corporation Spartan Athletics Foundation, will focus on maximizing revenue generating opportunities, supporting NIL opportunities for student-athletes, and establishes a more focused approach to fundraising, enhancing a first-class experience for student-athletes, donors and external partners.
"College athletics is evolving rapidly, and this model allows Michigan State to remain proactive," said J Batt, Michigan State University Vice President and Director of Athletics. "We will continue to prioritize our student-athletes' experience, education, and well-being while building a sustainable future for the next generation of Spartans.
"Spartan Ventures will provide the structure to operate with strategic innovation in a changing athletic landscape, providing the resources required for the department to achieve excellence, reclaiming our place as a Top 10 athletic department nationally. I'm grateful to the Board of Trustees and President Guskiewicz for their support of this modernized approach to maximizing our world-class athletics program.
"In addition to realizing new and expanded revenue generation for the department, Spartan Ventures will greatly enhance the NIL opportunities and support for our student-athletes," continued Batt. "Donors and corporate partners will enjoy an improved experience and new opportunities to engage with our brand. Spartan Ventures will benefit from private-sector advantages including operational flexibility, a revenue generation focused approach, and enhanced talent recruitment, while balancing innovation with institutional alignment and a continued connection to the collegiate model. This framework will be established in alignment with Michigan State's inherent grit, collaboration and ingenuity to optimize its competitive advantages."
Work to fully implement and actualize Spartan Ventures and the Spartan Athletics Foundation will continue over the next six to eight months with an expected launch in Summer 2026.
The university will retain full institutional oversight of all academic, compliance and student welfare functions within athletics. The new structure is designed to provide greater flexibility in business operations while maintaining the values of integrity, equity, and excellence that define Michigan State University.
Spartan Ventures will be overseen by a dedicated leadership group and board of directors including representatives from the university's administration, ensuring decisions remain aligned with institutional priorities and values.
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