SAN RAFAEL, Calif. - Dominican University of California entered into a partnership Thursday with Athletes Thread, one of the nation's leading providers of officially licensed Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) merchandise and trading cards. The agreement opens the door for Penguin student-athletes to launch their own custom merchandise lines and collectible trading cards, creating new avenues to build their personal brands and earn NIL income.
 
Under the partnership, every Dominican student-athlete will have access to Athletes Thread's professional-grade platform, where fans, families, and alumni can purchase officially licensed apparel, jerseys, and trading cards featuring their favorite Penguins. Athletes Thread will collaborate with the university's athletic department to promote athlete storefronts and bring athlete-driven products to the Dominican community.
 
"This is a great opportunity for our student-athletes who sacrifice so much for their sport, education and the university mission," said athletic director Amy Henkelman. "This partnership with Athletes Thread now gives them a platform where they can share who they are with their families, alumni and fans. We're excited we were able to put this together before the school year to help give a little back to them as well."
 
For Athletes Thread, the partnership continues its rapid growth across collegiate athletics. The company currently works with more than 415 colleges and universities nationwide, serving over 50,000 student-athletes with custom apparel, jerseys, trading cards, and personalized designs.
 
"We're excited to welcome Dominican to the Athletes Thread family," said Karthik Shanadi, CEO of Athletes Thread. "Every Penguin athlete will now have their own storefront with custom merchandise and trading cards, making it easy for teammates, families, and supporters to get behind them. It's a simple way for athletes to start building their brand, and we're glad to bring it to San Rafael."
 
The addition of trading cards brings a collectible dimension to Dominican's NIL offerings, giving fans and alumni a new way to celebrate and support Penguin athletes beyond game day.
 
Dominican's partnership with Athletes Thread reflects the university's ongoing commitment to preparing student-athletes for success in every arena - athletic, academic, and professional.
 
About Dominican University of California
Dominican University of California is a private, independent university located in San Rafael, California, just north of San Francisco. A member of the NCAA Division II PacWest Conference, Dominican is home of the Penguins and is dedicated to student-centered education that connects academic excellence with real-world experience.
 
About Athletes Thread
Athletes Thread is a leading supplier of NIL merchandise, working with 415+ colleges and providing over 50,000+ student-athletes with high-quality NIL merchandise, custom designs, jerseys, and trading cards. The company is committed to empowering student-athletes to leverage their NIL rights and build their personal brands.