Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Effective July 1, 2021, based on the NCAA Division I Board of Directors’ approval of an interim name, image and likeness (NIL) policy (PDF), student-athletes may use their Name, Image and Likeness for compensation. This interim policy and the institutional policies and procedures contained herein remain applicable until such time that either federal legislation or new NCAA rules are adopted.
HELPFUL LINKS
- NCAA NIL Policy Q&A (PDF)
- Quick Guide to New Interim NCAA Policy (PDF)
- New Interim Policy Key Takeaways (PDF)
- Cycle of Individual Engaged in NIL Activities (PDF)
- Considerations for Financial Aid Office (PDF)
EDUCATIONAL VIDEOS
- NIL: NCAA Overview
- NIL: State and Federal Landscape
- NIL: NCAA Office of Legal Affairs
- NIL: Resources Overview
Additional educational materials may be found on ncaa.org/nil
Student-athletes may earn compensation for the use of their NIL. Such compensation must be commensurate with the fair market value of the authorized NIL use and may be provided in any form (i.e., cash, check, mobile payment app, product, good, service, etc.). Examples of permissible NIL activities include, but are not limited to student-athlete appearances, autograph signings, camps, clinics, and the promotion/endorsement of products and services. The following is prohibited under the NCAA’s interim policy and may negatively impact a student-athlete’s intercollegiate athletics eligibility: (1) NIL agreement without quid pro quo (e.g., compensation for work not performed); (2) NIL compensation contingent upon enrollment at a particular school; and (3) Compensation for athletic participation or achievement (this may enhance a student-athlete’s NIL value, but may not be the “consideration” for NIL compensation). NIL activities should not conflict with a student-athlete’s academic or team-related obligations.
MTSU provides ongoing NIL-related education to its student-athletes in an effort to assist them in capitalizing on and maximizing their opportunities in a responsible and effective manner. MTSU has worked closely with leading edge software platform INFLCR to securing NIL services and expertise.
Student-athletes are required to disclose each compensated NIL activity through INFLCR.
Student-athletes may request use/rental of institutional facilities for NIL activities by submitting the online Facility Rentals form. Related questions may be directed to Daryl Simpson via TeamWorks or email at Daryl.Simpson@mtsu.edu.
In accordance with NCAA Bylaw 16.11.2.4, “an item received for participation in intercollegiate athletics may not be sold or exchanged or assigned for another item of value.” Therefore, student-athletes may not sell institutionally-issued apparel, equipment, awards, etc. (even if it will not be re-used) until they have exhausted their competition eligibility.
Student-athletes are prohibited from involvement in NIL activities that promote gambling, tobacco, alcohol or adult entertainment, in addition to activities that are reasonably considered to be in conflict with MTSU values.
Student-athletes may obtain representation by a third party, including but not limited to, an athlete agent, for the purpose of securing compensation for NIL activities. Any third-party representative must be a fiduciary for the represented student-athlete. Athlete agents who represent student-athletes for the purpose of securing compensation for NIL activities must be licensed in the state of Tennessee. If the student-athlete’s representative is an attorney, the attorney must also be active and in good standing with the board of professional responsibility or equivalent entity in the state in which the attorney is licensed. Parents, siblings, grandparents, spouses, and legal guardians of a student-athlete who represents them for the purpose of securing compensation of their NIL are not considered to be athlete agents by the state of Tennessee and are not subject to the state requirements for Athletic Agents.
Income and tax implications associated with NIL activities are the responsibility of the student-athlete. Student-athletes’ need-based financial aid (e.g., Pell Grant) may be impacted based on compensation from NIL. Questions should be directed to the MT One Stop. International student-athletes should not engage in any compensated NIL activities without the guidance from the MTSU Office of International Affairs.
General NIL-related questions may be directed to Daryl Simpson via TeamWorks or email at daryl.simpson@mtsu.edu.
