A: NIL stands for “Name, Image and Likeness” and describes legislative initiatives that took place in July, 2021, that permit college student-athletes to earn NIL opportunities outside of their athletic scholarships. College student-athletes can now sign endorsement deals with third-party companies and collectives to engage in promotional activities on behalf of these outside groups, sign autographs, or commit to a public appearance for a fee. 

A: Although the House Settlement, NCAA rules and state laws are currently changing the NIL space, the following rules STILL apply to institutions and athletes: 

1. No pay for play. A student-athlete may not receive money simply for participating in their sport nor can they receive contract incentives based on their athletic performance (for example, cash for touchdowns)
2. Quid pro quo. A student-athlete must complete some type of NIL task in order to receive compensation (endorsements, autographs, public appearances, etc.). NCAA extra benefit rules (receiving something for nothing), still apply and a student-athlete’s eligibility could be jeopardized if they accept extra benefits.
3. No inducement during the recruiting process. An institution may not use NIL money or potential contracts as an inducement to attend an institution (such as a player being promised $200k by a coach should they sign with the university). Institutions are permitted to provide information regarding current student-athlete deals, and NIL efforts of the institution and Collective, but may not promise NIL compensation.

A: Student-athletes may receive compensation and in-kind merchandise from individuals, Collectives, and third-party businesses in exchange for use of their NIL. Although there are no limits on the amount of compensation a student-athlete may receive in NIL, all deals of $600 or more must be disclosed via NILGo.com (link) per the terms of the House Settlement. 

A: A Collective is a private business or charitable organization that supports either an individual sport or an entire university’s athletic program as an outside source for NIL deal identification and execution. Collectives are able to facilitate payments to student-athletes as well as negotiate marketing contracts on behalf of the students they serve. 

A: Yes. UNC currently prohibits student-athletes from engaging in promotion or endorsement of products in the following areas: sports gambling, NCAA banned substances and adult entertainment.

A: All NIL deals of $600 or more must be disclosed via NILGo.com per the terms of the House Settlement.

A: Most, if not all, international student-athletes attend college in the United States using an F-1 Visa. The F-1 Visa does not permit the holder to earn active NIL income while in the U.S. So, while the NCAA rules do not directly prohibit international athletes from receiving NIL compensation, US Immigration Law prohibits nearly all forms of compensating the athlete for activities that occur in the U.S. We advise all international athletes to consult with an immigration attorney prior to engaging in any NIL activities, including “passive” NIL income.

A: An athletic scholarship may not be reduced or canceled, unless specifically authorized by NCAA legislation (e.g. failure to meet eligibility), or for violation of institutional policy (such as criminal behavior). Although a student-athlete’s NIL payment would not affect their scholarship, it may impact the student-athlete’s ability to receive Pell Grants and other financial need-based aid. All non-athletic scholarship questions should be directed to the Office of Scholarships and Student Aid.

A: Student-athletes are responsible for all tax withholdings and IRS payments related to NIL income. UNC Athletics, in conjunction with the UNC Tax Center, provides education throughout the year regarding potential tax obligations, as well as resources athletes may use to file and report their own tax obligations.

A: The UNC NIL Team continually provides coaches, staff, student-athletes and fans with education, resources, advice and direct support for all NIL initiatives. Additionally, NCAA rules now permit an institution to help facilitate NIL deals for current student-athletes, as well as provide resources in furtherance of their NIL activities. UNC is committed to doing everything within the rules to help our student-athletes achieve their athletic, academic and entrepreneurial goals.

A: The Rams Club works in partnership with UNC Athletics and UNC-focused Collectives to ensure our shared strategic goals are met by providing fundraising and revenue strategies, as well as coordinating with Collectives on events and donor relations. 

A: Yes, for NIL marketing representation only. Current NCAA rules still prohibit a student-athlete with eligibility remaining to sign with an agent for contract negotiations with a professional team or club. 

AGENT POLICY: All current or prospective agents must first contact Associate AD Nate Wood (natewood@unc.edu) prior to making initial contact with any current UNC student-athlete.

A: Any individual (or business) not currently employed by UNC can provide gifts or donations to Collectives and may engage in other NIL activities directly with student-athletes at their discretion. Businesses can provide marketing deals to players for in-kind items or other forms of remuneration (such as free pizza for social media posts). 

A: There is no standard practice for what a player has to do to earn compensation. Social media promotions, public appearances, meet and greets and signing autographs/memorabilia are common obligations used to fulfill this requirement. All NIL deals of $600 or more must be disclosed via NILGo.com (link) and meet a range of compensation analysis per the terms of the House Settlement.

A: No. An item received for participation in collegiate athletics may not be sold or exchanged for another item of value until a student-athlete has exhausted all collegiate eligibility.

A: Only upon pre-approval. UNC trademarks are controlled by the University Licensing Office and managed by Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC). Any commercial use must be approved by University Licensing and CLC. Additionally, if any NCAA or ACC marks/logos are used, interested parties must also seek permission for use of those marks in a commercial context.  

NOTE: Unauthorized use of UNC, ACC or NCAA marks/logos may result in trademark infringement and a forfeiture of revenue from any activities.

A: Yes, provided no other commercial property is being promoted or marketed in the social media post. We encourage all student-athletes to use social media to bolster their personal brand, as well as their team’s athletic and academic achievements.

A: No. Pursuant to NCAA rules and North Carolina state law, an NIL related entity (such as a Collective), must be separate and distinct from the institution. Current NCAA rules prohibit the institution from directly compensating athletes for use of their NIL. However, Old Well Management along with UNC and The Rams Club coordinate NIL strategies to best position UNC student-athletes for success. This coordination allows UNC to help facilitate NIL deals with current UNC student-athletes and maximize the institution’s overall NIL efforts.

A: Contact us for more information.