Clarkson Hockey in the New Era of College Athletics
Since the 1920s, Clarkson Hockey has earned its place among the nation's elite. Built on generations of student-athletes, coaches, alumni, and supporters, the Golden Knights have established a legacy few programs can match.
Today, the Clarkson men's program ranks among the top NCAA Division I programs in many historic categories, including all-time wins, winning percentage, and All-America selections. In just 26 seasons, Clarkson Women's Hockey has emerged as one of the premier programs in the country, capturing three national championships and developing some of the top talent competing in the PWHL and on the Olympic stage.
Throughout that history, Clarkson has remained one of the smallest institutions by enrollment competing at the Division I level. Yet, through every change in college athletics, the Golden Knights have adapted, evolved, and continued to compete with programs many times their size.
A New Era Requires New Solutions
The introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), Alston academic awards, and the recent House v. NCAA settlement have fundamentally changed the landscape of college athletics. Student-athletes now have access to multiple forms of financial support and compensation that did not exist just a few years ago.
Much like the spirit that defines Clarkson students and alumni, new challenges simply require new solutions.
As institutions across the country move toward revenue sharing, competitive balance is rapidly shifting. A few ECAC Hockey programs have already opted into the new model, and nationally, many schools in the Big Ten, Hockey East, and the NCHC have done the same. These programs are among Clarkson's primary competitors for recruits and national prominence.
In response, Clarkson University is looking at opting into the NCAA revenue-sharing model beginning with the 2027-28 academic year. This proactive step will help ensure that both our men's and women's hockey programs remain nationally competitive while preserving the academic and athletic values that have defined Clarkson for more than a century.
How Student-Athletes Are Supported Today
Today's college hockey student-athletes may benefit from several different avenues of support:
Alston Academic Awards
Alston funds provide additional academic benefits that reward student-athletes for excellence in the classroom and enhance the overall student-athlete experience.
Click to learn more about Alston Awards
Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL)
NIL opportunities allow student-athletes to partner with businesses and organizations in ways that were previously prohibited. Through Clarkson's partnership with Axe Sports Group and its Next Play Initiative platform, Golden Knight student-athletes receive support in identifying opportunities, developing partnerships, structuring agreements, and learning how to maximize their brands.
Click to learn more about NIL
Understanding the House Settlement & Revenue Sharing
The House v. NCAA settlement represents one of the most significant changes in the history of college athletics, creating a new framework for revenue sharing and reshaping the future of Division I sports. Beginning in 2027-28, Clarkson will most likely participate in the NCAA's revenue-sharing model, allowing the University to directly invest in student-athletes and remain competitive in the evolving Division I landscape.
Click to learn more about House v. NCAA
Read: Clarkson University Announces Intent to Opt into the NCAA Revenue-Sharing Model Beginning in 2027-28.
Hockey Academic Advancement Fund
In order for Clarkson Hockey to remain competitive and provide student-athletes with access to Alston academic awards, revenue sharing, and NIL opportunities, the Athletic Department, together with a dedicated group of engaged alumni, has established the Clarkson Hockey Academic Advancement Fund.
This fund is being built to provide a sustainable, long-term source of support for our men's and women's hockey programs. Through the generosity of Golden Knight supporters, the fund will help provide academic achievement awards, student-athlete development opportunities, NIL education and resources, and the flexibility needed to strategically navigate the evolving landscape of college athletics.
Most importantly, the Hockey Academic Advancement Fund will help ensure that Clarkson Hockey continues to attract, develop, and retain championship-caliber student-athletes while preserving the tradition of excellence that generations of Golden Knights have worked so hard to build.
Link to giving page
Additional Ways Golden Knight Supporters Can Make an Impact
Explore NIL Partnerships
Businesses, organizations, and individuals interested in creating NIL opportunities for Clarkson student-athletes can connect through our partnership with Axe Sports Group.
Through the Next Play Initiative platform, student-athletes are connected with brands and community partners while receiving guidance and education throughout the process. Whether through sponsorships, appearances, marketing campaigns, or community initiatives, supporters can play a direct role in helping Golden Knights succeed.
Attend Games and Support Through Tickets and Advertising
Purchasing tickets, advertising at Cheel Arena, and supporting our programs through the Knight Club and Lil' Knights Club provide critical resources that directly benefit our coaches and student-athletes.
Just as importantly, the energy created by Golden Knight fans helps cultivate the championship environment necessary to compete for titles.
Follow and Engage on Social Media
In today's NIL environment, visibility matters.
Following Clarkson Hockey and our student-athletes on social media helps increase exposure and creates additional opportunities for NIL partnerships. Likes, shares, comments, and positive engagement all contribute to building the Clarkson Hockey brand.
