Effective July 1, 2021, based on the NCAA Division I Board of Directors’ approval of an interim name, image and likeness (NIL) policy (PDF), student-athletes may use their NIL for compensation. A new state law governing NIL activities in Tennessee became effective April 20, 2022. This interim policy and the institutional policies and procedures contained herein remain applicable until such time that either new state legislation, federal legislation or new NCAA rules are adopted.
HELPFUL LINKS
EDUCATIONAL VIDEOS
Additional educational materials may be found at https://nilassist.ncaa.org/.
GENERAL RULE
Student-athletes may earn compensation for the use of their NIL. Such compensation must be commensurate with the fair market value of the authorized NIL use and may be provided in any form (i.e., cash, check, mobile payment app, product, good, service, etc.). Examples of permissible NIL activities include, but are not limited to student-athlete appearances, autograph signings, camps, clinics and the promotion/endorsement of products and services.
The following are prohibited by the NCAA's interim policy and state law and may negatively impact a student-athlete's intercollegiate eligibility:
- NIL agreement that compensates a student-athlete for work not performed;
- NIL compensation made contingent upon enrollment at a particular school; and
- Compensation for athletic participation or achievement.
NIL activities may not conflict with a student-athlete's academic or team-related obligations.
EDUCATION
UTC provides ongoing NIL-related education to its student-athletes in an effort to assist them in capitalizing on and maximizing their opportunities in a responsible and effective manner. UTC conducts a financial literacy workshop for student-athletes during their first full-time term of enrollment. The financial literacy workshop includes, without limitation, information regarding the requirements of this Policy, the NCAA, and state and federal law regarding NIL activities, budgeting and debt management.
DISCLOSURE
Student-athletes are required to disclose each compensated NIL activity through the NIL Disclosure Form on Opendorse. For information on how to properly disclose NIL activities, please see Link.
INSTITUTIONAL FACILITIES
Student-athletes may request use/rental of institutional facilities for NIL activities online here. Questions regarding use/rental of athletics facilities may be directed to Jay Shiltz, Director of Facilities & Game Operations (jay-shiltz@utc.edu). Information regarding use/rental of non-athletics facilities at UTC is available here.
INSTITUTIONAL MARKS/LOGOS AND CONTENT
Student-athletes may request use of UTC-related marks and/or logos for NIL activities by contacting Zach Huston (zhuston@mocssportsproperties.com). Marks and/or logos may only be used with the express written permission of UTC. Inquiries regarding personal content (e.g., logos, graphics, imagery) may be directed to Andrew Horton, Deputy Athletics Director for External Operations (Andrew-Horton@utc.edu).
INSTITUTIONAL MERCHANDISE/MEMORABILIA
In accordance with NCAA Bylaw 16.11.2.4, "an item received for participation in intercollegiate athletics may not be sold or exchanged or assigned for another item of value." Therefore, student-athletes may not sell institutionally-issued apparel, equipment, awards, etc. (even if it will not be re-used) during the period they are eligible for intercollegiate competition.
PROHIBITED CATEGORIES
Student-athletes are prohibited from involvement in NIL activities that promote gambling, tobacco, alcohol or adult entertainment, in addition to activities that are reasonably considered to be in conflict with UTC values or an existing UTC contract.
THIRD-PARTY REPRESENTATION
Student-athletes may obtain representation by a third party, including but not limited to, an athlete agent, for the purpose of securing compensation for NIL activities. Any third-party representative must be a fiduciary for the represented student-athlete. Athlete agents who represent student-athletes for the purpose of securing compensation for NIL activities must be licensed in the state of Tennessee. Parents, siblings, grandparents, spouses and legal guardians of a student-athlete who represent the student-athlete for the purpose of securing compensation for the student-athlete's NIL are not required to be licensed as athlete agents in accordance with the Tennessee NIL statute. If the student-athlete's representative is an attorney, the attorney must also be active and in good standing with the board of professional responsibility or equivalent entity in the state in which the attorney is licensed. All professional service providers are required to register with the UTC Athletics Department by completing the UTC Agent Registration Form.
FINANCIAL AID AND TAX IMPLICATIONS
Income and tax implications associated with NIL activities are the responsibility of the student-athlete. Student-athletes' need-based financial aid (e.g., Pell Grant) may be impacted based on compensation from NIL. Questions should be directed to Ken Scannapiego, Assistant Director of Financial Aid (Kenneth-Scannapiego@utc.edu). International student-athletes should not engage in any compensated NIL activities without guidance from the UTC Center for Global Education.
OTHER
General NIL-related questions may be directed to UTC NIL Committee:
Emily Baustert, Director of Football Operations (Emily-Baustert@utc.edu)
Emily Blackman, Assistant Vice Chancellor/Athletic Academic Enhancement (Emily-Blackman@utc.edu)
Andrew Horton, Deputy Athletic Director (Andrew-horton@utc.edu)
Zach Huston, General Manger for Learfield Sports (zhuston@mocssportsproperties.com)
Kenneth Jones, Sr. Associate Athletics Director of Compliance (Kenneth-Jones01@utc.edu)
Ryan Jones, Associate Athletic Director of Development (Ryan-Jones04@utc.edu)
