Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL)
Frequently Asked Questions
The follwing questions and asnwers were a collaborative effort from A-10 staff, NIL experts at Team Altemus and Anomaly Sports Group, and student-athletes from the Atlantic 10 Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. Explore by clicking the tabs below.
General Questions
What is NIL?
NIL stands for name, image, and likeness. The NCAA's new interim policy now allows collegiate student-athletes to use their name, image, and likeness for commercial and promotional opportunities without losing their eligibility. NIL is also sometimes known as the right of publicity.
What is a professional service provider (PSP)?
A professional service provider is an individual who provides third-party services to a prospective or current student-athlete. PSPs include, but are not limited to, an agent, tax advisor, marketing consultant, attorney, brand management company, or anyone who is employed or associated with such persons.
How do I know the difference between NIL income and an extra benefit? (1 minute)
How do NIL earnings work if I am an international student?
Under current federal law, international students including student-athletes may not work while physically present in the United States. This includes conducting and being compensated for virtual or digital work for an American or foreign company while living in the US. International student-athletes may engage in NIL activity and receive compensation for such activity when they are in their home country returning home for breaks or holidays. International student-athletes may also find it helpful to consult with their school’s office of international programs on this matter.
How long will the interim NIL policy remain in effect?
Until federal legislation is enacted or new NCAA rules are adopted, the NCAA’s interim NIL policy will remain in effect.
If my state does not have any enacted NIL legislation, can I still profit off my NIL?
Under the NCAA’s interim policy, student-athletes in states without NIL legislation may engage in NIL activity
without an impact on their NCAA eligibility, but existing NCAA rules prohibiting pay-for-play and improper recruiting inducements remain in effect.
Where can I go or whom can I contact for questions regarding NIL policy or a specific NIL activity?
The Atlantic 10 Conference has partnered with Team Altemus and Anomaly Sports Group to provide NIL protective education services. A portal is available here:
https://www.team-altemus.com/a10. This portal houses in-depth, recorded NIL workshops on topics such as contracts, due diligence, and more.
Do's & Don't's
Are certain products and services prohibited? Who determines this? (2 minutes)
What if a company asks me to endorse, use, display, etc. a product during official team activities? What constitutes official team activities? (4 minutes)
What institutional marks, colors, buildings, etc. can appear in my NIL activities? (3 minutes)
What about being compensated for acting, modeling, or other appearances? Is that okay under the new NIL policies? (2 minutes)?
Do I need to disclose, report, or have my NIL activities and earnings approved by anyone? If so, who? (2 minutes)?
Are there any platforms I cannot use to profit off my NIL like Cameo, OnlyFans? (3 minutes)
Are institutions or conferences permitted to arrange NIL opportunities for student-athletes with other parties such as boosters and alumni? (1 minute)
May I receive NIL compensation based on my athletic performance?
No, the NCAA’s interim policy does not change current NCAA rules that prohibit pay-for-play or pay based on athletic performance.
Can people Cash App or Venmo me money just because of my student-athlete status?
No, money must be exchanged for a good or service on the student-athlete’s part. Simply receiving money for being a student-athlete would be considered an extra benefit and would jeopardize a student-athlete’s eligibility.
Leveraging Your NIL
Is there a limit to how many NIL deals or activities I can do?
There is no limit per se, but student-athletes should be mindful of balancing their existing obligations as a student and as an athlete when taking on NIL opportunities.
What are some ways that student-athletes can leverage their NIL, especially ones that compete in sports other than football or basketball, or athletes in smaller colleges or college towns? (3 minutes)
Which is a better way to reach out to companies: social media or email? (2 minutes)
Contracts
How long may an NIL-related contract last? (2 minutes)
May an NIL contract or offer stipulate that I must compete for, or attend, a specific institution?
No, an NIL-related contract cannot stipulate or be contingent upon your enrollment or athletic participation at a specific institution.
Agents
Does getting an agent for NIL deals impact my NCAA eligibility? If not, do I have to have an agent to participate in NIL?
No, obtaining an agent or representative for marketing purposes does not impact a student-athlete’s eligibility nor does one have to obtain an agent to participate in NIL activities. Agents or representatives who are obtained for marketing of athletics ability, improper recruiting inducements, and/or representation in future professional sports negotiations are still prohibited.
How is an agent for NIL purposes different from getting an agent to prepare for a draft or professional career? (3 minutes)??
How do I know if an agent/representative is a good one? (4 minutes)
Money
Would NIL earnings impact my athletic scholarship? My financial aid? (2 minutes)
Is there a limit to how much I can earn for NIL deals and activities?
There is no limit to how much a student-athlete may earn from NIL deals and activities. However, student-athletes must be sure to properly account and submit tax paperwork for their earnings. Additionally, NIL earnings may affect a student-athlete’s need-based financial aid package. A student-athlete’s athletic scholarship cannot be affected or changed due to NIL earnings.
How do I know what I'm worth? (7 minutes)