Indiana University Athletics
NIL…what does it mean, and why is it important?
NIL refers to an individual’s right of publicity. When the NIL rules changes go into effect on July 1, student-athletes will be able to use their name, image and likeness to be compensated for commercial activities, including endorsements through traditional and social media, appearances, entrepreneurial activities, in-kind deals, and more. Those are rights that other college students, including those at Indiana University, have always enjoyed. Previously, intercollegiate student-athletes have been restricted in those opportunities as a condition of their eligibility to compete in intercollegiate athletics. The new interim guidance from the NCAA removes those restrictions to treat student-athletes similar to the general student body.
What are the foundational prohibitions of the approved NCAA name, image, and likeness policy?
Current and/or prospective student-athletes cannot receive compensation (monetary or in-kind) through an NIL agreement in exchange for their commitment to attend a school, to remain at a school, or for their athletic performance.
How is Indiana University preparing its student-athletes for success?
IU Athletics has developed and implemented an institutional NIL policy in line with the NCAA’s guidance governing student-athletes’ NIL activities. Dating back to 2017, IU Athletics has partnered and collaborated with Opendorse, a market leader in helping sports organizations and their athletes increase the value of their name, image and likeness on social media. That partnership included the use of Opendorse Ready beginning in August 2020 to give student-athletes hands-on assistance from experts to maximize and understand their NIL rights. IU Athletics has also partnered with Altius Sports Partners to provide additional strategic guidance, consultation and educational support. These long-standing efforts have well-prepared our students for this new era; by way of example more than 95% of our current student-athletes have been onboarded to the Opendorse platform prior to the July 1 rules change.
If you are interested in connecting directly with a student-athlete to discuss an NIL opportunity, among the ways you can do so is via Opendorse Deals, or by contacting student-athletes directly through their social media accounts (many of which can be found on the roster pages on IUHoosiers.com). If questions surface about an NIL agreement or opportunity, student-athletes, IU Athletics staff, and other third-parties are encouraged to consult with the IU Athletics Office of Compliance Services regarding the NCAA rules and this policy prior to engaging in NIL activities that involve IU student-athletes.
How does a partnership with a student-athlete impact my varsity club contribution and priority points?
Your NIL partnership is a separate agreement between yourself and a student-athlete (or their business entity), and thus does not impact your Varsity Club contribution or your Varsity Club priority points.
Will I receive a tax deduction for amounts contracted with IU student-athletes for NIL activities?
No.
How do I contact a student-athlete to discuss a potential agreement for NIL activities?
There are a variety of ways for you to connect with student-athletes directly to discuss NIL opportunities, including OpenDorse Deals and directly through the student-athletes’ social media accounts, among others. Links to many of Indiana University’s student-athletes’ social media accounts are listed on the IUHoosiers.com roster pages of their respective sports.
Once an agreement is in place, who do I contact if I have questions about the terms of that agreement?
Any NIL agreement is a partnership between yourself and the student-athlete, and thus you should contact the student-athlete or their personal representative with questions or concerns.
Is there a limit to the amount of compensation that can be provided to a student-athlete for use of their NIL?
No, so long as your agreement doesn’t violate one of the foundational principles (current and/or prospective student-athletes cannot receive compensation through an NIL agreement in exchange for their commitment to attend a school, to remain at a school, or for their athletic performance).
Are there prohibited areas for NIL opportunities?
Student-athletes must not use their NIL to promote gambling, alcohol products, adult entertainment, substances banned by the NCAA, or products or services that are illegal.
Do I have any reporting requirements about my nil agreement to Indiana University?
No. Student-athletes will complete NIL Agreement Disclosure forms for all of their NIL agreements. You are not required to submit any forms or report your NIL activities/agreements.
Additional questions?
Please email iunil@iu.edu.