The world of college athletics has undergone a seismic shift with the introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights. For Oregon Ducks student-athletes, this transformation has been turbocharged by Division Street, a collective of prominent Oregon alumni, donors, and Nike that strives to amplify the NIL opportunities of student-athletes.

Division Street, born out of a collaborative spirit, combines the expertise of its founders in marketing, branding, and sponsorship to create unique opportunities for Oregon athletes to benefit from their talents off the field. By handling the business side of these deals, Division Street allows athletes to focus on their academic and athletic commitments, while also preparing them to navigate the complex world of NIL rights.

One of Division Street's standout initiatives is its partnership with Nike, resulting in the highly anticipated release of the “What the Duck” Dunk Low shoe collection. Scheduled for a global launch on October 11 via the GOAT website, this exclusive drop will feature only 5,000 pairs of two distinct designs—"Home" and "Away"—which pay homage to 25 years of Oregon Ducks' iconic uniforms.

These sneakers, designed in collaboration with Nike legend Tinker Hatfield, embody the spirit and legacy of Oregon's athletics. With bold colors, mismatched patterns, and details that reference different eras of Ducks history, the collection is a celebration of both tradition and innovation. Each pair will retail for $275, and demand is already sky-high among sneaker collectors and Ducks fans alike.

However, the lead-up to this release has not been without its excitement. On October 5, select pairs were released in Flight Club stores across New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and Tokyo. The New York release was particularly notable, as the NYPD had to shut down the launch due to overwhelming crowds—a testament to the immense buzz surrounding this drop. The in-store release in New York has since been rescheduled.

Key figures behind Division Street include Nike co-founder Phil Knight, former Oregon athletic director Pat Kilkenny, and WNBA star Sabrina Ionescu. Their collective experience and dedication are driving forces behind the initiative's success. With their leadership, Division Street ensures that student-athletes not only reap financial rewards from their NIL rights but also gain crucial experience in brand-building and marketing, setting them up for long-term success.

This collaboration between Division Street, the Oregon Ducks, and Nike marks a turning point in how college athletes engage with their NIL rights, demonstrating the potential for creative partnerships that elevate both sports and business. As the "What the Duck" collection drops, it signifies a broader movement towards empowering student-athletes, providing them with the tools to thrive both on and off the field.

The Oregon Ducks continue to lead the way, not just in sports, but in crafting a future where athletes are in control of their own narrative, identity, and brand.