Name, Image, and Likeness Resources

NCAA adopts interim name, image and likeness policy | NCAA.org - The Official Site of the NCAA

Pitt-Bradford NIL Agreement Disclosure Form

What is Name, Image, and Likeness ("NIL")?
Name, Image, and Likeness includes any activity in which a student-athlete (SA) uses their name, image, or likeness in exchange for compensation, including personal appearances or autograph signings, or in order to promote or endorse, directly or indirectly, a brand, company, product, or commercial, non-commercial, non-institutional, or charitable entity.

Historically, an NCAA Division III SA could not use their NIL to promote or endorse a commercial product or service, even if he or she is not paid to participate in the activity.
 
What is changing? 
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania adopted legislation related to NIL on June 30, 2021. The law, effective July 1, 2021, allows student-athletes attending the University of Pittsburgh Bradford to benefit from the use of their name, image or likeness.

Additionally, various bills have been introduced (but not yet passed) in Congress in an attempt to create a consistent set of rules that would apply to all student-athletes regardless of state.

When will the changes take effect?
Changes are effective July 1, 2021.

How will the changes affect me?
Student-athletes at Pitt-Bradford will be allowed to profit from third-party endorsements related to their NIL surrounding athletics, and other opportunities, such as being paid to influence on social media, endorse or sponsor businesses and make personal appearances.

What should I be aware of?
Entering into an NIL contract is a business relationship and can have significant legal and financial consequences, including an impact on your eligibility as an NCAA student-athlete. Income from your NIL activity can also impact your eligibility for need based financial aid and Pell grants, as well as have potential tax implications. It is important that you disclose all opportunities to Pitt-Bradford's Compliance Office according to PA State law, as well as consider seeking financial and legal guidance from a personal advisor before entering into NIL agreements.   

Can a University Pay Me to Play or Enroll at that University?
No! NIL rules prohibit a university from using NIL to induce a certain action such as to attend school or play a specific sport at the school. This prohibition also applies to a representative of athletics interest (i.e. Pitt-Bradford booster).
 
How Much Can I Be Paid for My NIL activities?
Any compensation you earn in connection with your NIL must be commensurate with the market value of your NIL.

Can I Hire Professional Representation For NIL Activities? 
Yes. You may obtain professional representation by an athlete agent or attorney for the purpose of securing compensation for the use of your NIL. However, an athlete agent or attorney may not also represent you for the purpose of marketing your athletics ability or reputation in a sport to secure an opportunity as a professional athlete.  Further, such a professional who represents Pitt-Bradford may not also represent a Pitt-Bradford SA in a business agreement. 
Any agent, financial advisor, or lawyer providing services in Pennsylvania must be licensed in the state. It is important to disclose any potential professional Representation relationship, for NIL activity or professional athletics, to the Compliance Office.
 
What Actions Or Products Am I Not Allowed To Endorse?
A Pitt-Bradford student athlete shall be prohibited from earning compensation as a result of the use of their NIL in connection with any person, company, or organization related to or associated with the development, production, distribution, wholesaling, or retailing of:

• Adult Entertainment
• Alcohol
• Casinos and Gambling, including sports betting, the lottery, video games, online games and mobile devices
• Tobacco and Vaping
• Prescription Pharmaceuticals
• A Controlled Dangerous Substance
• Anything that is illegal, conflicts with University policy, or conflicts with NCAA rules

Also, you cannot engaged in NIL activities that require you to wear or display a competing brand while participating in team activities.

Am I Required to Disclose My NIL Activities to Pitt-Greensburg?
Yes. You must disclose all NIL activities (including any endorsement contract) to Pitt-Bradford at least seven (7) days prior to execution of the agreement to a Pitt-Bradford Athletics Compliance staff member. These disclosures should include information related to use of your name, image and likeness or promotion of a brand, company, product, or commercial, non-commercial, non-institutional, charitable entity or service, including compensation amounts. The disclosure form can be found here.

Is My NIL Income Subject to State and Federal Income Taxes?
Yes. Your income may be taxable.  Please seek the advice of your personal tax professional regarding your tax filing and tax payment responsibilities with the Internal Revenue Service and the Pennsylvania Tax Commission. Education on the topic of taxes will be covered as part of the NIL program at Pitt-Greensburg.

Can Pitt-Bradford Provide Education To Me Related To NIL? 
Pitt-Bradford will empower its student-athletes to take advantage of new NIL legislation by leveraging comprehensive partnerships with counterparts on campus. In the ever-changing college sports landscape, student-athletes are now more attentive than ever in advancing their personal brand and setting themselves up for a successful future. Pitt-Bradford Athletics is well-equipped to offer its student-athletes that opportunity through a robust educational program focused on brand identity, financial literacy, wealth management, entrepreneurship and social media proficiency.
 
Will the Compliance Office provide further education on Pitt-Bradford and NCAA requirements related to my involvement in NIL activities?
Yes. The Compliance Office will provide educational materials to all student-athletes to assist them with taking advantage of permissible NIL opportunities while protecting their eligibility as a student-athlete.