NexGen Hyperbaric and FGCU Men's Basketball Establish Landmark Division I Partnership, Bringing True Medical-grade Hyperbaric Medicine to Collegiate Athletics

NAPLES, Fla., Oct. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- NexGen Hyperbaric, a national provider of medical-grade hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and Florida Gulf Coast University Men's Basketball are announcing a landmark partnership designed to expand access to advanced hyperbaric medicine within NCAA Division I athletics.

The first -of-its-kind collaboration will provide eligible FGCU men's basketball players access to medical-grade hyperbaric oxygen therapy at NexGen's flagship freestanding medical facility in Naples, Florida, while establishing the foundation for a broader national initiative focused on collegiate athletics.

The partnership represents an important expansion of NexGen's established presence in professional sports, where the company has developed relationships with organizations across the NFL, NHL and MLB.

Through these relationships, NexGen has provided professional athletes access to advanced hyperbaric medical technology as part of their individualized medical care and recovery programs. The collaboration with FGCU creates an opportunity to extend that experience and clinical expertise into collegiate athletics.

"This is an exciting milestone for our organization and one that we've been looking forward to," said Jonathan Rotella, President and CEO of NexGen Hyperbaric. "We've spent years working with professional sports organizations and developing the infrastructure, clinical expertise and medical technology necessary to support athletes at the highest levels of competition. Bringing those same resources to collegiate athletics is a natural progression for NexGen, and we're particularly pleased to begin that effort with FGCU head men's coach Pat Chambers and FGCU."

Unlike mild hyperbaric systems commonly marketed for wellness and recovery, NexGen utilizes FDA-approved, medical-grade hyperbaric chambers designed to deliver 100% oxygen under increased atmospheric pressure. The company's chambers are manufactured in accordance with applicable ASME PVHO-1 standards for pressure vessels for human occupancy, and its facilities and operations follow applicable NFPA 99 requirements governing hyperbaric safety.

These nationally recognized standards address critical aspects of hyperbaric medicine, including pressure vessel integrity, fire prevention, oxygen delivery systems, equipment safety, operational standards and clinical outcomes.

"Our responsibility is to provide our student-athletes with the resources and opportunities that support their development, both on and off the court," said Chambers. "Partnering with NexGen Hyperbaric gives our program access to a medical resource that has already established a presence in professional sports. We're excited about what this relationship can bring to our players and our program."

NexGen also operates hyperbaric programs accredited by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS), an internationally recognized organization dedicated to advancing the practice, safety and science of hyperbaric medicine.

UHMS accreditation involves an independent evaluation of a facility's clinical practices, physician oversight, staff qualifications, equipment, safety procedures, and operational standards. This accreditation reflects NexGen's longstanding commitment to providing high-quality hyperbaric medicine within a structured clinical environment.

Across its hospital-based programs, mobile professional sports division and freestanding facilities, NexGen maintains established clinical protocols, physician oversight and a consistent commitment to patient safety and quality of care.

Treatments for FGCU student-athletes will be provided at NexGen's flagship Naples facility under the direction of its experienced medical team, including Dr. Desmond Hussey, who is board certified in Neurology and Interventional Pain Medicine; Dr. Mark Rubino, a board-certified neurologist; and Dr. Bindesh Patel, NexGen's Corporate Medical Director, who is board certified in Hyperbaric Medicine.

The partnership is intended to complement FGCU's existing sports medicine resources, with participating athletes receiving individualized medical evaluations and treatment recommendations based on their clinical needs.

The collaboration also recognizes FGCU's commitment to exploring innovative medical resources and its willingness to establish relationships that may benefit the health and well-being of its student-athletes.

Beyond FGCU, NexGen intends to expand its collegiate athletics initiative through additional partnerships with NCAA Division I universities, athletic departments and sports medicine programs throughout the United States.

The company believes its existing infrastructure, established medical protocols and experience serving professional sports organizations provide a strong foundation for developing these relationships nationally.

"Our vision extends well beyond one university or one athletic program," Rotella added. "We believe collegiate athletes should have the opportunity to access the same level of medical technology and clinical expertise that we've made available to professional sports organizations. FGCU is an important first step, and we look forward to developing similar relationships with universities across the country."

NexGen's national operations include three primary divisions: hospital-based hyperbaric medicine programs, a specialized mobile division serving professional sports organizations, and its flagship freestanding medical facility in Naples, Florida.

Through its mobile division, NexGen has expanded access to medical-grade hyperbaric oxygen therapy for professional athletes directly at team facilities, while its hospital-based and freestanding programs serve patients across a broad range of clinical needs.

The company's expansion into collegiate athletics represents an opportunity to introduce university athletic departments, team physicians and sports medicine professionals to its medical technology, clinical capabilities and established standards of care.

All FGCU student-athletes participating in the program will be evaluated and treated in accordance with NexGen's established medical protocols and applicable clinical standards, in coordination with the university's sports medicine personnel as appropriate.

About NexGen Hyperbaric

NexGen Hyperbaric is a national provider of medical grade hyperbaric oxygen therapy, operating hospital based hyperbaric medicine programs, a specialized mobile division serving professional sports organizations, and a flagship freestanding medical facility in Naples, Florida.

The company operates UHMS-accredited hyperbaric programs and utilizes FDA-approved medical-grade hyperbaric chambers manufactured to applicable ASME PVHO-1 standards, with facilities and operations following applicable NFPA 99 requirements. Across all three divisions, NexGen maintains established clinical protocols and physician oversight, emphasizing patient safety, quality of care, and clinical excellence.

Through its relationships with professional sports organizations and its expanding collegiate athletics initiative, NexGen continues to pursue opportunities to make medical grade hyperbaric oxygen therapy accessible within structured clinical programs.

About FGCU Men's Basketball

Home of Dunk City, Florida Gulf Coast University's men's basketball program is a six-time Atlantic Sun Conference Champion and became the first No. 15 seed to ever reach the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament. Entering its 25th season of competition in 2026-27, the program is under the guidance of head coach Pat Chambers, now in his fifth season. A three-time NCAA Tournament participant and two-time NIT participant, the Eagles are Southwest Florida's Hometown Team. FGCU Athletics is dedicated to serving its student-athletes, university and stakeholders through developing transformative leaders who are champions in the classroom, in competition and in the community.

Media Contact: Brandi Cooper, 888-567-4302, [email protected]

SOURCE NexGen Hyperbaric