The nonprofit entity, Spartan Ventures, is meant to maximize revenue generation and support Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deals for student athletes. Details about Media Ventures have been scarce. The university has said that Spartan Media Ventures would not be subject to Michigan's Freedom of Information Act law with the exception of documents it sends to MSU.

Some trustees said they've struggled with getting unrestricted access to documents related to Spartan Media Ventures, which hasn't technically been formed yet.

After Friday's board meeting, Trustee Mike Balow told The State News that documents related to Media Ventures would only be given to trustees if they signed nondisclosure agreements, which he said he and Trustee Dennis Denno refused.

MSU Spokesperson Emily Guerrant said she is unaware that any trustee signed the agreement. Guerrant also said that trustees were presented with some documents and only needed to sign the nondisclosure agreement to inspect additional documents.

“We are the only oversight, we are the last line, if we can't see things, that causes me great concern,” Balow said. 

Balow added that his concerns over transparency would be assuaged if “the class” of documents the administration has regarding Spartan Ventures was presented to the board without having to sign an NDA. 

Denno declined to comment, saying he doesn’t “talk to The State News."

Balow and Denno's concerns over the nondisclosure agreements aren't unanimous, however. At a press conference after the meeting, MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz said those agreements aren't uncommon when "dealing with sensitive information," adding that MSU isn't actually involved in the formulation of those documents.

Since being presented with the nondisclosure agreement, Balow said, he hasn't been briefed on Spartan Media Ventures and hasn't received any other documents.

However, Board Chair Brianna Scott said at the press conference that there have been biweekly meetings with board members on the progress of Spartan Ventures.

Last month, Spartan Ventures’ board was announced to include Guskiewicz, Scott and Vice President and Director of Athletics J. Batt. 

As part of their $401 million commitment to MSU, Greg and Dawn Williams invested $100 million into Spartan Media Ventures.

Guskiewicz said Friday that the university is hoping to launch Spartan Ventures on July 1.

“It's really important to me that we do this the right way,” Balow said. “This is a watershed change moment in college athletics.”