What are the benefits of NIL participation?
- Earn Income or in-kind goods while competing
- Connect with local businesses and national brands
- Create and sell custom merchandise
- Conduct camps or clinics
Think of NIL as a micro-internship where you gain real-world experience
- Build your personal brand
- Develop marketing and social media skills as an influencer/brand ambassador for businesses
- Tap into the power of relationships outside of sport
- Bolster your resume and makes you more marketable to companies for post-graduation opportunities
- NIL can be paid in direct payments or free products, discounts or affiliate commissions
Student-Athlete NIL Checklist
Attention Athletes
All UC Davis student athletes should review all relevant NIL Go information. NIL Go is an online platform created by the College Sports Commission to evaluate whether third-party NIL deals with a student-athlete’s NIL has a valid business purpose and does not exceed a reasonable range of compensation. Learn more about NIL Go >
Frequently Asked Questions
- What types of NIL activities are permissible for student-athletes?
- Student-athletes may earn compensation from third parties from the use of their name, image and likeness. Permissible activities include, but not limited to, appearances in television, print or social media advertisements for products or services; sale of autographs, personal appearances, selling of merchandise, private lessons/camps.
- What types of NIL activities are NOT permissible for student-athletes?
- Student-athletes are not permitted to receive third party, noninstitutional compensation for the use of their NIL for any of the following purposes: work not performed; compensation for participating in a sport, for athletic performance, or for athletic achievement, except where permitted by the NCAA rules; compensation that is for something other than a valid business purpose related to the promotion or endorsement of goods or services; compensation in excess of the fair market value of services performed.
Additionally, student-athletes may not enter into endorsements of goods or services in the prohibited categories, including gambling, pornography, performance-enhancing drugs or adult entertainment establishments. - Can student-athletes use UC Davis Athletics/UC Davis marks and logos during NIL activities?
- UC Davis Athletics marks, logos and intellectual property (IP) are owned by the university and require written permission for use in any NIL deal. For marks/logos/IP approvals, please reach out to Dr. Heather Hunter @ [email protected].
- Can I work with an agent?
- Yes, student-athletes can work with an agent and retain professional representation. Professional representation must be for NIL opportunities only and not for future professional contract negotiations, and in accordance with applicable federal and state law for sport agents.
- Are international student-athletes allowed to engage in NIL activities?
- International student-athletes should consult with an immigration attorney prior to entering into NIL agreements for any form of NIL compensation. International student-athletes and their visa status remain subject to federal immigration laws that relate to the ability to earn and receive compensation in the United States.
Need Assistance?
Dr. Heather Hunter
Senior Associate Athletics Director
Executive Director, Aggie Varsity Club
(408) 218-3425
[email protected]
