On July 1st, 2021, the NCAA amended its policy to permit student-athletes to engage in Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) activities and receive compensation from third-parties in return for their endorsement, promotion, autograph or other NIL business activities.
As a result of the House Settlement Agreement, beginning July 1st, 2025, all student-athlete NIL deals of $600 or more must be disclosed via NILGo.com. Additionally, UNC is permitted to help student-athletes facilitate NIL deals and provide resources to help assistant athletes secure endorsements. UNC is committed to providing the type of resources and services that will keep student-athletes at the top of the market and allow them the opportunity to grow their own personal brand.
COMPENSATION
Student-athletes may earn compensation for their NIL from a third party if such compensation is provided in exchange for services, activities, intellectual property, appearances or other value provided by the student-athlete (quid pro quo). All student-athlete NIL Deals of $600 or more must be disclosed via NILGo.com.
Compensation may not be provided in exchange for athletic performance or attendance at the University.
GOVERNING RULES
The House Settlement Agreement and the Collegiate Sports Commission (a governing body created from the House Settlement), the NCAA, along with various state laws now govern the NIL space and continue to prohibit direct compensation for athletic performance as well as improper recruiting inducements. The University and Carolina student-athletes are obligated under the terms of the Settlement to follow the established protocol and rules associated with NIL. As these rules continue to change and/or be modified, we encourage all Carolina student-athletes, Athletics Staff, or other third-parties to consult with the Athletics Compliance Office regarding NIL rules and institutional policy prior to engaging in NIL activities that involve UNC student-athletes.
DISCLOSURE
Per the terms of the House Settlement Agreement, all NIL deals of $600 or more must be disclosed via NILGo.com.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE PROVIDERS
Student-athletes may secure representation (agent, financial advisor or lawyer), only for NIL purposes and not for future professional athletic contract negotiations. Agreements with professional service providers should be disclosed within 14 days of signing.
NOTE: An athlete agent representing a student-athlete for purposes of securing compensation for his or her NIL must be registered in the state of North Carolina. All agents wishing to contact a UNC student-athlete must first contact Nate Wood, Associate AD (natewood@unc.edu).
MARKS AND LOGOS
Student-athletes will not be allowed to use University or athletic department marks and logos, including all aspects of the uniform, unless those rights have been secured through University Licensing and CLC (Collegiate Licensing Company). UNC's media rights partner Tar Heel Sports Properties, Inc. (a Learfield Co.), can also provide access to marks and logos through commercial advertising.
CONFLICTS WITH INSTITUTIONAL CONTRACTS
Student-athletes may enter into NIL agreements with sponsors of the University or entities that compete with sponsors of the University (provided no marks/logos are used). Student-athletes will be required to wear only approved team apparel and equipment in UNC games and practices.
CONFLICTS WITH INSTITUTIONAL VALUES
Student-athletes will not be permitted to enter into NIL agreements for any product that appears on the NCAA banned substance list (including alcohol), gambling/sports wagering or adult entertainment.
TEAM ACTIVITIES AND ACADEMIC OBLIGATIONS
Student-athletes cannot engage in NIL activities during team activities, which include competitions, practices and required team gatherings and meetings. Student-athletes should not allow NIL activities to interfere with their academic obligations.
FACILITY USE
The use of athletic facilities by student-athletes for commercial NIL activities will require advanced approval, completion of a facility agreement and waiver of liability and is subject to availability.
INSTITUTIONAL PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Student-athletes may be asked to participate in institutional promotional activities such as appearances, autograph signings, digital content creation, photo shoots and similar activities in accordance with existing NCAA rules and participation in their sport.
EQUITY
The University is committed to equity in the provision of permissible institutional services under this policy.
