K-State's Shocking New Cats+ Platform: Will It Transform Student-Athletes' Lives Overnight?

MANHATTAN, Kan. – In a significant move for college athletics, K-State Athletics has launched Cats+ (www.catsplus.com), a new subscription-based service aimed at providing fans a direct way to support Wildcat student-athletes. This initiative is a response to the evolving landscape of college sports, particularly in light of the recent changes in revenue sharing and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) funding.

The Cats+ platform stands out because it creates a direct revenue stream to benefit Wildcat student-athletes. It is powered by ONELIVE, a successful direct-to-fan eCommerce company known for its collaborations with high-profile artists like Taylor Swift, Zac Brown Band, and Willie Nelson. This partnership marks the first instance of ONELIVE joining forces with a college athletics program, setting a precedent for similar future collaborations across the country.

“As college athletics evolves, we must keep up and be proactive,” said Gene Taylor, K-State Athletics Director. “Our fans continue to ask how they can help in this new model, and Cats+ is a way to directly support our student-athletes and programs while benefiting from access through exclusive content and experiences. It’s a win-win for both parties, especially our fans that may have moved away from the region but still want to be connected and support K-State Athletics.”

The service, available on a monthly or yearly basis, includes a variety of perks. Subscribers receive behind-the-scenes access, special features spotlighting K-State student-athletes and coaches through videos and podcasts, exclusive articles by D. Scott Fritchen, classic game replays, early access to digital merchandise, and sweepstakes for unique experiences and products.

Tom West, CEO of ONELIVE, emphasized the new direction of NIL funding during the launch: “College athletics is entering a new era where the future of NIL funding will be driven by fan membership, not just traditional donations. K-State is leading that shift by launching Cats+, creating a scalable way for fans everywhere to support Wildcat student-athletes while gaining meaningful insider access. We’re proud to power the platform that makes that possible.”

ONELIVE currently operates as a technology partner for official fan membership platforms in various sports and entertainment organizations nationwide. The company aims to foster a connection between fans and student-athletes while driving strategic revenue for NIL and revenue-sharing initiatives in this new era of college athletics.

With the launch of Cats+, K-State Athletics not only adapts to the shifting dynamics of college sports but also enhances fan engagement. This subscription service could serve as a model for other universities seeking to navigate the complexities of NIL funding while providing tangible benefits to their supporters and athletes alike. Fans interested in supporting Wildcat student-athletes can find more information and join at www.catsplus.com.