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Name, Image and Likeness

The
NIL Era

NCAA, state and federal laws and guidelines continue to evolve relating to the right of student athletes to monetize their name, image and likeness. We aim to cover the latest news and provide education and resources for administrators, coaches and student athletes.

NIL Quick Links

Trackers

NIL Legislation by State

NIL Policies by Institution

NIL Marketplaces for Student Athletes

Car Deals for Student Athletes

Student Athlete Podcasts and Paid Guest Series 

Big Questions

NIL for High School Student Athletes

NIL for International Student Athletes

Tax Implications

Title IX and NIL

NIL Deals

It would be impossible to track every deal, but here are the fun, interesting or notable ones we’ve written about here on Business of College Sports:

Individual Deals

Female Deals

HBCU Deals

High School Deals

Group Deals & Group Licensing

Car Deals

Professional Sports Team Deals

Latest News and Analysis

The Players' Lounge Announces Launch of LSU Player Card Collection

The Players’ Lounge Announces Launch of LSU Player Card Collection

Deja Kelly on The Players' Platform Podcast Cover Art

Impacting the Next Generation Through NIL

Indiana NIL Mixer

Indiana and Wisconsin Host NIL Events for Local Businesses

FAU women's basketball team

Baiting the Line: Can Professional Sports Leagues or Teams Sign NIL Deals with College Athletes?

FanZone app screenshots on mobile device

FanZone Partners with Icon Collective and G-Men Nation, Opens to Other Athletes

Wildcat student-athletes will appear on the Kentucky-specific platform Blue Chips

54 Kentucky Student-Athletes Sign NIL Deal with Mercury

The Players' Platform Podcast Cover Art

Welcome to The Players’ Platform

The Players NIL is partnering with John Hopkins University's Mens and Womens Lacrosse programs to roll out their NIL curriculum.

The Players NIL Partners with Johns Hopkins for NIL Education Curriculum

State
Tracker

Our state-by-state tracker on proposed NIL legislation.

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School
Policies

Our database of school policies on NIL.

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NIL
Marketplaces

The most active marketplaces in the NIL space.

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NCAA
Interim
Rules

The interim rules passed by the NCAA.

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Podcast Episodes

Deja Kelly on The Players' Platform Podcast Cover Art

Impacting the Next Generation Through NIL

The Players' Platform Podcast Cover Art

Welcome to The Players’ Platform

Kristi Dosh on Playbooked Podcast

Chloe Mitchel x PlayBooked Podcast with Guest Host Kristi Dosh

Champs Sports NIL deals

Champs Sports Spearheads “Run With Us” for National Running Day

Breaking down attempts by international student athletes to participate in NIL.

Revisiting NIL for International Student Athletes

PlayBooked Podcast

Chloe V. Mitchell Adds PlayBooked Podcast to College Athletes Network

How former UGA football players are creating thriving fan communities in Athens and beyond

How The Players’ Lounge is Monetizing NIL and Engaging Fans

How BYU and Provo have embraced NIL

BYU’s Proactive Approach to NIL

NAIA Rule
Changes

A breakdown of the NAIA’s rule changes related to NIL.

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Community College Considerations

Thoughts on opportunities for community college student athletes.

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FAQs about Name, Image and Likeness

What is name, image and likeness?

Name, image and likeness, or “NIL” as it’s called, refers to a student athlete’s ability to earn money from their personal brand. This can be getting paid to sign autographs, coach lessons/clinics, post on their social media, appear at a restaurant and more.

In July 2021, the NCAA and multiple states, made it allowable for the first time for college student athletes to monetize their NIL. The NAIA similarly passed legislation in October.

The overarching rule is that student athletes cannot be paid to attend a specific school or for their performance as an athlete. From there, state laws and institutional policies govern the types of brands they can work with, if/how they can use the institutions logos and other intellectual property and other rules.

What is the NCAA NIL rule?

The NCAA’s interim NCAA policy passed in June 2021, has three primary provisions:

  • Individuals can engage in NIL activities that are consistent with the law of the state where the school is located. Colleges and universities are responsible for determining whether those activities are consistent with state law.
  • College athletes who attend a school in a state without an NIL law can engage in this type of activity without violating NCAA rules related to name, image and likeness.
  • Individuals can use a professional services provider for NIL activities.
  • Student-athletes should report NIL activities consistent with state law or school and conference requirements to their school.

Can NCAA athletes have agents?

Yes, NCAA student athletes can engage with agents, attorneys and financial advisors, but the scope must be limited to activities related to their NIL and cannot extend beyond the end of their eligibility or graduation.

What are examples of name, image and likeness?

Student athletes are monetizing their name, image and likeness with:

  • Social media marketing
  • Camps/clinics
  • Appearances
  • Autographs/memorabilia
  • Group licensing
  • Merchandise
  • Affiliate/ambassador roles
  • NFTs
  • Blogging
  • Podcasting
  • Public Speaking
  • Music, art, etc.
  • Entrepreneurship

You can see specific examples by category:

Individual Deals

Female Deals

Group Deals & Group Licensing

Car Deals

Professional Sports Team Deals