Holy Cross Athletics

NIL stands for name, image and likeness, which primarily pertains to student-athletes in college sports.

NIL refers to the rights of college athletes to control and profit from their name, image and likeness. In the past, these rights were restricted by the NCAA, but policy changes now allow athletes to monetize their personal brand and endorsements while participating in college sports.

Effective July 1, 2021, the NCAA approved name, image, and likeness policy allows student-athletes to monetize their NIL. However, no federal legislation or specific NCAA NIL rules have been established. NIL activities and restrictions vary from state to state and school to school, which means student-athletes must understand both sets of rules before entering into any NIL agreements.

An NIL deal is an agreement or arrangement between a student-athlete and a third party, such as a brand, company or individual, where the student-athlete receives compensation for the use of their name, image and likeness.

NIL collectives are support networks for college athletes where donors pool together money to compensate athletes for their name, image and likeness. These independent organizations generate NIL deals for athletes at specific schools while operating separately from the schools themselves.

The NCAA intends to work with federal congressional legislators to replace the interim policy with a single nationwide policy, but there is no timeline on when that might happen. For now, athletes should continue to adhere to NIL rules set in their specific state.

Student-Athletes MAY:

• Promote their athletic reputation and personal brand to maximize the use of their NIL rights. 
• Earn compensation for the use of their NIL from such business opportunities as: 
  • Self-employment.
  • Endorsement of products and services. 
  • Direct monetization on social media. 
  • Promotional appearances and autographs. 
  • Private lessons, camps, and clinics.
• Refer to their participation in NCAA athletics and their attendance at Holy Cross as part of paid NIL activities.
• Retain professional representation to help secure NIL opportunities.

Student-Athletes MAY NOT:

• Sign an NIL contract that does not require any action or consideration from the student-athlete.
• Sign an NIL contract that is contingent on initial or continued enrollment at Holy Cross or specific athletic performance as a Holy Cross student-athlete.
• Sign an NIL contract that requires action or consideration that is not in compliance with applicable law and NCAA, Patriot League, and Holy Cross policy.
• Take part in NIL activities during scheduled periods of class, practice, competition or other required scholastic or team activities.
• Use any College marks (i.e. shield logo, word mark) or facilities for NIL purposes.
• International student-athlete may not take part in NIL outside of their home country due to visa limitations.

Student-athletes may not endorse the following brands, products, and services:

• Tobacco products or alternative nicotine delivery products.
• Marijuana products.
• Alcoholic beverages.
• Any seller or dispensary of a controlled substance or any substance prohibited by the NCAA.
• Casinos or sports wagering businesses.
• Any direct competitor to a major sponsor of Holy Cross Athletics.