NIL policy and FAQs
NCAA rules allow student-athletes to be compensated for the use of their names, images or likenesses. An “NIL activity” is any business activity in which student-athletes are compensated in any way for the use of the student-athletes' NILs. Examples include personal athletically or non-athletically related businesses, social media influencing, promotional appearances, camps, lessons, and autograph sessions.
The NCAA's interim NIL policy, adopted on June 30, 2021, requires member institutions to follow their own state laws or create their own policies. Read the Q&A relating to the NCAA's interim NIL policy. This deregulated area (previously addressed largely by NCAA Bylaw 12.5 promotional activity legislation) will likely be in place until student-athlete NIL rights are addressed through nationally applicable federal law or NCAA legislation.
Until such time, the NIL policy for ASU student-athletes is available to review. Read the Arizona state NIL law (providing NIL rights up to the full extent allowed by the NCAA). NCAA Board of Director's guidance relating to institutional involvement.
NCAA Prohibitions
Institutions and their representatives cannot use NIL regulations to circumvent NCAA Bylaws 13 or 16. In other words, NIL deals cannot be used to induce prospective student-athletes to attend ASU or compensate student-athletes for athletics performance. So, among other things, pay for NIL activities must be commensurate with the going rate for similar services.
Policy Restrictions
ASU's policy restricts student-athletes from engaging in NIL activities with entities involved in certain types of businesses or products. ASU's full list of restrictions and other NIL limitations are set forth in the policy. So please review the full policy, and contact SDA with any questions.
NIL Activity Disclosure
It also mandates that student-athletes disclose the pertinent details of their NIL activities within 10 business days of any NIL agreement, with a similar ten-day requirement to supplement those disclosures when NIL agreements are modified. Disclosures will now be submitted through Influencer.
Student-athletes who are determined to have violated NIL policies jeopardize their eligibility, so remember to Ask First! (Rachael Bacchus)
Learn more about how we work within the rules and frameworks set forth by the Big 12 Conference and NCAA.
An ASU booster is any person or entity who has participated in promoting ASU’s athletics interests, made financial contributions to Sun Devil Athletics or any other ASU athletics booster club, assisted in the recruitment of prospects, provided financial assistance to current student-athletes or their families, or otherwise helped promote Sun Devil Athletics. Once a person or entity becomes a booster, that person or entity remains a booster indefinitely.
Common examples of ASU boosters include:
ASU students;
ASU employees;
ASU alumni;
ASU donors;
ASU ticket holders.
Rent one of our many venues for your events.
Support your favorite Sun Devil student-athletes by buying merchandise from any of these approved vendors:
Want to connect with Sun Devil student-athletes on name, image and likeness opportunities? Fill out a submission form.
Frequently asked questions
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 ACTIVATE X NIL, 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 ACTIVATE program includes partnerships with Altius Sports Partners, Influencer and campus resources to support and educate student-athletes in areas including entrepreneurship, branding, financial literacy, social media and communication skills.
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 tied to athletic performance or achievement
The Teamworks-powered marketplace, Influencer, 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; postsecondary educational institutions or online schooling organizations; pharmaceuticals; sexually explicit materials; tobacco products.
Sun Devil Athletics 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:
- Hiring an athlete through the Sun Devils' NIL marketplace
- Reaching out to an athlete directly through social media or a professional service provider/agent
- Supporting the Sun Angel Collective
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 at 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 prior written 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.
Reach out to the NIL Department at sundevilnil@asu.edu.