NIL: Frequently Asked Questions

It is an activity that involves the use of an individual’s name, image and likeness for commercial or promotional purposes.

Prospective student-athletes may engage in the same types of NIL opportunities available to current student-athletes under the interim NIL policy without impacting their NCAA eligibility. NIL opportunities may not be used as a recruiting inducement or as a substitute for pay-for-play. Individuals are encouraged to consider state laws, if applicable, and the rules of any relevant amateur governing bodies.

Given that rules vary by state, prospective student-athletes should consult their state high school athletics association regarding questions pertaining to high school eligibility.

A professional service provider is an individual who provides third-party services to a prospective or current student-athlete. It includes, but is not limited to, an agent, tax advisor, marketing consultant, attorney, brand management company or anyone who is employed or associated with such persons.

Use of a professional services provider for NIL activities is permissible.

A number of factors are relevant when institutions consider their possible involvement in arranging NIL transactions. During the interim NIL policy, the expectation is that schools and student-athletes will not use NIL transactions to compensate for athletic participation or achievement or as an improper inducement. In addition, institutions should not dictate how student-athletes use their compensation (e.g., should not require student-athletes to use compensation for financial aid). Beyond NCAA principles related to pay-for-play and impermissible inducements, such involvement may also raise other issues—including potential claims for contractual non-performance, Title IX issues, and employment issues—as to which campus compliance, Title IX, and general counsel staff can be consulted. Institutions should also be aware of and comply with all applicable state and federal laws, including gender equity requirements. Finally, institutions may consider how their legal counsel should be involved with the negotia- tion, review, and storage of NIL documents.

No. If an individual enters into an agreement regarding NIL with a professional service provider prior to July 1, 2021, they will jeopardize their amateur status and eligibility for intercollegiate participation in a particular sport and will be subject to student-athlete reinstatement.

The NCAA cannot provide guidance on issues of state law. The state you live in and the states where a prospective student-athlete may wish to enroll may have NIL laws with which you will want to be familiar. A prospective student-athlete may consult a professional services provider, contact the athletics compliance office of NCAA schools they may choose to attend, or research state law compliance requirements where they may wish to enroll. NCAA schools may also have specific NIL policies that should be considered.

Subject to state law, the following is prohibited under the new interim policy: • NIL agreement without quid pro quo( e.g.,compensation for work not performed). Student-athlete NIL agreements should include the expected NIL deliverables by a student-athlete in exchange for the agreed upon compensation and student-athletes must be compensated only for work actually performed. • NIL compensation contingent upon enrollment at a particular school. For example, institutions should not use NIL arrangements to improperly induce matriculation (e.g., guaranteeing a particular NIL opportunity upon enrollment); • Compensation for athletic participation or achievement. Athletic performance may enhance a student-athlete’s NIL value, but athletic performance may not be the “consideration” for NIL compensation. • Institutions providing compensation in exchange for the use of a student-athlete’s name, image or likeness.

The NCAA’s interim policy does not address this issue, but state laws and institutional policies may impose reporting requirements.

Yes. International individuals are covered by the interim NIL policy; however, they may consider consulting with the Designated School Official at the institution they are attending for guidance related to maintaining their immigration status and tax implications. Specifically, student-athletes, prospective student-athletes, schools or school officials who have questions may write to the U.S. Student and Exchange Visitor Program at SEVP@ice.dhs.gov.

Individuals should follow all applicable tax laws for reporting NIL compensation. Requirements may vary based on state and/or country.

The interim NIL policy does not impact a student-athlete’s financial aid. Compensation, including NIL compen- sation, remains excluded from NCAA financial aid limitations.

Prospective and current student-athletes with additional questions should consult with the athletics compliance department at the NCAA school they attend or plan to attend. NCAA member schools with additional questions should submit an interpretation request in Requests/Self-Reports Online. Note: NCAA prohibitions on pay-for-play and improper recruiting inducements remain in effect; however, the national office will not interpret state or federal laws or institutional policies.