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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 winter class of signees boosts the Hoosiers For Good roster to over 150 athletes and benefits 11 charities.

19 Indiana Student-Athletes Join Hoosiers For Good, Announce Charity Partners

Bluepeak, a Denver-based internet company, has established NIL deals with each college athlete on the Cowgirls' 2023 roster.

High-Speed Internet Company Partners With Oklahoma State Softball

The Popeyes' Kid has gone viral once again, this time for an NIL deal with the New Orleans-style brand.

Dieunerst Collin, Star of Iconic Meme, Signs NIL Deal With Popeyes

Logos for Curastory Tempus Ex and Pac-12

New Partnership Allows Pac-12 Athletes To Be Sports Broadcasters

Shareef O'Neal from the back

Keeping It in the Family: Kids of Former Pro-Players Find NIL Success

Wisconsin legends Sam Dekker, Joe Thomas and Annie Thomas will lead the podcasts, which aim to give fans an inside look at Wisconsin athletics.

The Varsity Collective Launches Two Podcasts in Collaboration With Amaze Media Labs

Morrison capped off an All-American freshman campaign with his sixth interception of the season and a new NIL deal.

Notre Dame Cornerback Benjamin Morrison Signs NIL Deal With Forever Young Sports Cards

Julian Calvez of Grambling State University and Jalon Daniels from the University of Kansas will join the Adidas NIL roster.

Adidas NIL Brand Ambassador Program Adds Two Premier Quarterbacks

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

Wesley Haynes, President and Founder of The Brandr Group, is joining the podcast again to talk about how group licensing has evolved.

The Growth of Group Licensing in NIL

Fran Belilbi on The Players' Platform podcast

Fran Belibi on Building Her Brand and Life After Basketball

Wisconsin legends Sam Dekker, Joe Thomas and Annie Thomas will lead the podcasts, which aim to give fans an inside look at Wisconsin athletics.

The Varsity Collective Launches Two Podcasts in Collaboration With Amaze Media Labs

Will Levis on The Players' Platform podcast talking NIL

Kentucky QB Will Levis: From Car Deals to Horse Farms and all the NIL In Between

Leah Clapper on The Players' Platform podcast

How Leah Clapper Became an Entrepreneur Through NIL

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 Mitchell x PlayBooked Podcast with Guest Host Kristi Dosh

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