As of July 1, 2021, student-athletes competing in NCAA intercollegiate athletics are permitted to receive compensation for the use of their name, image or likeness (NIL) for commercial activities, including endorsements through traditional and social media, appearances, entrepreneurial activities, in-kind deals, autographs and more, and have the ability to retain an agent or attorney relating to this compensation in accordance with NCAA guidelines and Sun Devil Athletics’ NIL policies.
Through Spark, ASU's comprehensive Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) program, Sun Devil Athletics has aligned with industry leaders to provide all 650 Sun Devil student-athletes with education, platforms, and opportunities to maximize their NIL potential. The Spark program includes partnerships with Altius Sports Partners, Opendorse, and campus resources to support and educate student-athletes in areas including entrepreneurship, branding, financial literacy, social media, and communication skills.
Sun Devil Athletics has also invested in an on-site full-time Altius NIL General Manager who further centralizes an athlete-focused strategy, education, and operations through an in-house NIL department.
In accordance with current NCAA bylaws, current or prospective student-athletes may not receive compensation through NIL activities that:
• provide compensation for work not performed
• provide compensation in exchange for commitment or enrollment at a particular school
• provide compensation tied to athletic performance or achievement
No.
The Opendorse-powered marketplace will maximize NIL support for student-athletes and mobilize the Sun Devil fan base and local organizations to best support its student-athletes. Sun Devil fans, brands, sponsors, and donors can browse, book, pitch and pay any Sun Devil student-athlete for NIL activities in one compliant platform. Every athlete at ASU has the opportunity to create a profile and be active on the marketplace.
Yes. Businesses, fans, and/or athletics boosters can sign student-athletes for a variety of deals, including endorsements, social media, appearances, autographs, marketing, and more. NIL activities must adhere to the ASU NIL Policy and do not involve an impermissible inducement or constitute pay-for-play.
Student-athletes may not enter a NIL contract to receive compensation for the advertisement, endorsement or promotion of the following: Alcohol and alcohol products; Casinos, gambling, and sports wagering; Cannabis and marijuana in any form, along with associated products and paraphernalia; Firearms and other weapons; Gentlemen’s clubs, adult entertainment, and escort services; NCAA banned substances; Political purposes or causes; Post-secondary educational institutions or online schooling organizations; Pharmaceuticals; Sexually explicit materials; Tobacco products.
Student-athletes may not engage in NIL activities during required team activities or while representing ASU in any capacity, including during travel relating to ASU athletics competition. Student-athletes may not miss class to participate in NIL activities. SDA reserves the right to refuse authorization for NIL contracts that conflict with state law, University policy or a university contract, as well as refuse the use of ASU marks or logos in NIL activities
There are many options to support NIL at ASU including:.
International student-athletes may not be eligible to receive compensation for NIL agreements in the United States and should consult ASU’s International Students and Scholars Office to discuss and prevent any complications with student visa/immigration issues. International student-athletes can contact Daniel Hoyle, Director of International Student and Scholar Experience (daniel.hoyt@asu.edu).
Student-athletes may not use ASU intellectual property (including but not limited to the pitchfork, Sparky, and sunburst trademarks) in connection with NIL activities without permission. Student-athletes may request the use of protected marks during the disclosure process before the activity occurs.
Student-athletes may use professional service providers (e.g., marketing agents, brand managers) to assist with the management and procurement of NIL activities and to review NIL agreements. Such providers’ engagement must be limited to NIL activities and may not be used to secure opportunities as professional athletes. Professional service providers must follow SDA’s athlete agent policy and process.
Any NIL agreement is a partnership between yourself and the student-athlete, and thus you should contact the student-athlete or their personal representative with questions or concerns.
