Name, Image, and Likeness

What is Name, Image, Likeness (NIL)?

NCAA Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rules allow college athletes to receive compensation for the use of their name, image, and likeness. Athletes can profit without losing eligibility, but deals must be for services rendered and not "pay-for-play" and recruiting inducements. NIL gives college athletes the right to monetize their “name” and “image” and receive profits through doing so. Examples of this include being able to sign sponsorship deals with corporate brands and companies, creating one's own brand “logo” or brand merchandise for profit, as well as being able to charge money for things like camps, pictures, cameo videos, and even autographs.

Student-athletes at Nova Southeastern are permitted to receive compensation for the use of their name, image, and likeness under the following terms and conditions:

1. Student-athletes in the state of Florida may earn compensation for use of their name, image or likeness (NIL) but must do so in accordance with the Florida NIL Law (Section 1006.74, Florida Statutes).

2. State law requires that NIL compensation must be commensurate with market value and cannot be provided in exchange for athletics performance or attendance at Nova Southeastern University.

3. All NIL contracts and deals (including paid, unpaid, or in-kind) must be reported through INFLCR. This disclosure is required under state law. Additionally, the following information must be disclosed:

a. Contact information for all parties involved

b. Compensation arrangements

c. Details of relationship with involved parties

4. Student-athletes are not permitted to miss class, department or team related activities for opportunities related to NIL compensation.

5. NIL compensation may only be provided by a third party, unaffiliated with Nova Southeastern University. Employees of NSU and its direct support organizations (including coaches and athletics staff members) cannot compensate, assist, or arrange for compensation to be directed to a current or prospective student-athlete.

6. Student-athletes may only use an athlete agent or attorney for the purposes of securing NIL compensation. Student-athletes cannot secure agents or attorneys for the purpose of future representation in professional sports. Doing so will jeopardize their athletics eligibility. Any agent used for NIL purposes must be licensed in the state of Florida, and any attorney used for NIL purposes must be a member in good standing of The Florida Bar.

7. Student-athletes may not enter into a contract for compensation of NIL if the contract or company:

a. Conflicts with a NSU contract;

b. Is inconsistent with NSU mission and values;

c. Is unlawful or obscene; and/or

d. Is related to sport wagering or a substance on the NCAA banned substance list

8. In accordance with state law, the length of a contract for NIL compensation or representation may not extend beyond the student-athlete’s participation in intercollegiate athletics.

9. The use of Nova Southeastern University trademarks and logos is not permitted without permission from Nova Southeastern University.

10. All international student-athletes should consult with the NSU Office of International Affairs or an immigration attorney before entering into an NIL compensation agreement to protect against any potential immigration issues.

11. Eligibility for Pell Grant and all other forms of need-based financial aid could be impacted by receipt of NIL compensation. Questions should be directed to the NSU Office of Financial Aid.

12. Please be aware that your NIL activities may have personal tax implications. These obligations are dependent upon individual circumstances and may require consultation with a tax professional.

NIL Rules for Prospective Student-Athletes
NCAA Division II prohibits prospective student-athletes (PSAs) from using NIL deals as "pay-for-play" or improper recruiting inducements. Prospective student-athletes should consult their state laws and high school athletics associations regarding questions pertaining to NIL compensation and high school eligibility. If you have questions about NIL deals with our institution, please reach out to the NSU Athletics Compliance Office at nsusharkscompliance@nova.edu.

Guidelines for NIL Opportunities
What IS Allowed:

Deals with brands/companies that pay you for use of your name, image, or likeness (like doing ads, social media posts, or appearances);
Deals that have a valid business purpose—meaning you’re promoting a real product, service, or event that is offered to the public for profit;
Deals that pay you similarly to what others with your level of fame or influence are paid for similar deals

Deals in which you are paid, but not required to do anything to promote a product, service or event;
Deals in which you’re paid and the company says they’ll use your name, image, or likeness eventually with no defined plans to do so;
Deals in which you’re paid to play your sport at a certain school (“pay-for-play”);
Deals where the amount you’re being paid isn’t within a range of what people in similar situations would get paid.