Michigan State University’s Board of Trustees has approved an Affiliation Agreement authorizing President Kevin Guskiewicz to establish Spartan Ventures, a new non-profit, tax-exempt corporation designed to advance and support the university’s athletic department. The initiative marks a significant modernization of MSU Athletics, positioning the university to operate at the forefront of the rapidly evolving collegiate sports landscape.
Spartan Ventures will serve as a cornerstone of MSU’s new business model, strengthening the department’s long-term competitiveness, driving innovation, and expanding opportunities for student-athletes, fans, and partners. A subsidiary organization, the Spartan Athletics Foundation, will focus on maximizing revenue, bolstering Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities, and creating a more unified approach to fundraising and partnership development.
The venture’s structure is intended to enhance operational flexibility and private-sector agility while preserving institutional oversight and academic integrity. MSU will retain full authority over all academic, compliance, and student welfare functions within athletics. The new framework is expected to improve donor and corporate engagement, expand NIL support, and foster a first-class experience for student-athletes and stakeholders.
Implementation of Spartan Ventures and the Spartan Athletics Foundation will continue over the next six to eight months, with an official launch planned for summer 2026. The organization will be managed by a leadership group and board of directors that includes university representatives to ensure alignment with MSU’s mission, values, and institutional priorities.
KEY QUOTES:
“College athletics is evolving rapidly, and this model allows Michigan State to remain proactive. 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. 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.”
J Batt, Michigan State University Vice President and Director of Athletics
