Student Athlete Name, Image, Likeness, Policy On

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Title: Student-Athlete Name, Image, and Likeness, Policy On
Policy Owner: Athletics
Applies to: All Student-Athletes and University Employees
Campus Applicability: All UConn campuses, except UConn Health
Effective Date: June 30, 2021
Last Review Date: March 19, 2025
For More Information, Contact Director of Athletics
Contact Information: (860) 486-2725
Official Website: https://uconnhuskies.com/sports/2021/7/14/uconn-nil-information

PURPOSE

To establish a policy pursuant to which University of Connecticut (“University”) Student-Athletes are permitted by the University to (1) earn Compensation through an Endorsement Contract, Revenue Sharing Agreements, or employment in an activity unrelated to an Intercollegiate Athletic Program; and (2) obtain legal or professional representation of an attorney or Sports Agent through a written agreement, provided that in each case, the Student-Athlete complies with the terms and conditions of this policy and applicable law.

DEFINITIONS

Athletics Booster: a person who directly contributes to a University athletic program.

Compensation: the receipt, whether directly or indirectly, of any cryptocurrency, money, goods, services, other items of value, in kind contributions and any other form of payment or remuneration.

Endorsement Contract: a written agreement under which a Student-Athlete is employed or receives Compensation for the use by another party of such Student-Athlete's person, name, image or likeness in the promotion of any product, service or event.

Intercollegiate Athletic Program: a program at the University for sports played at the collegiate level for which eligibility requirements for participation by a Student-Athlete are established by a national association for the promotion or regulation of college athletics.

NCAA: the National Collegiate Athletic Association or its successor.

Official Team Activities: all games, practices, exhibitions, scrimmages, team appearances, team photograph sessions, sports camps sponsored by the University and other team-organized activities, including, but not limited to, photograph sessions, news media interviews, and other related activities as specified by the University.

Prohibited Endorsements: receipt of Compensation by, or employment of, a Student-Athlete for use of the Student-Athlete's person, name, image or likeness (“NIL”) in association with any product, category of companies, brands, or types of Endorsement Contracts that are: (1) prohibited by law; (2) prohibited by this policy; or (3) prohibited under the applicable University procedures adopted in accordance with this policy.

Revenue Sharing Agreement: an agreement between the University or an entity acting on the University’s behalf, and a student athlete through which a student athlete shares a portion of the University’s revenue as Compensation.

Sports Agent: a duly licensed person who negotiates or solicits a contract on behalf of a Student-Athlete in accordance with the Sports Agent Responsibility and Trust Act, 15 USC 7801, et seq., as amended from time to time.

Student-Athlete: a student who attends or has agreed to attend the University and participates or has agreed to participate in a University Intercollegiate Athletic Program.

University Marks: the name, logo, trademarks, mascot, unique colors, copyrights and other intellectual property or defining insignia of the University.

POLICY STATEMENT

The University shall permit its Student-Athletes to (1) obtain legal or professional representation of an attorney or Sports Agent through a written agreement, provided that the Student-Athlete complies with this policy and applicable law; (2) earn Compensation through employment in an activity unrelated to an Intercollegiate Athletic Program; (3) earn Compensation through an Endorsement Contract with a third party; (4) earn Compensation through an Endorsement Contract with the University for the use of  the Student-Athlete's person, name, image or likeness in the promotion of any product, service or event; and (5) earn Compensation through a Revenue Sharing Agreement with the University.

1. Agreements for Representation by a Sports Agent or an Attorney

  1. A Student-Athlete may only enter into an agreement for representation with a Sports Agent if the Student-Athlete submits a copy of the agreement to the University.
  2. A Student-Athlete may only enter into an agreement for representation with an attorney if the Student-Athlete submits a copy of the agreement to the University

2. Agreements for Employment Activities and Endorsement Contracts with Third Parties

    1. A Student-Athlete may receive Compensation for employment in an activity unrelated to any Intercollegiate Athletic Program, provided the Student-Athlete signs a written agreement for the employment and submits a copy to the University before performing any employment activities or services.
    2. A Student-Athlete may only enter into an Endorsement Contract with a third party if:
      1. the Student-Athlete submits a copy of the contract to the University prior to the Student-Athlete performing any activity or service under the contract;
      2. the contract, or any portion thereof, does not conflict with the provisions of any agreement to which the University is a party. If a potential conflict is identified, the University shall disclose to the Student-Athlete or the Student-Athlete's attorney or Sports Agent the provisions of the University agreement that are in conflict; and
      3. the Student-Athlete is not required to participate or engage in any activity prohibited by Section IV of this policy.

    3. Endorsement Contracts and Revenue Sharing Agreements with the University

    A Student-Athlete may only enter a Revenue Sharing Agreement and/or Endorsement Contract with the University if:

    1. the Endorsement Contract is limited to the use of the Student-Athlete's person, name, image or likeness in the promotion of any product, service or event;
    2. the Student-Athlete is an independent contractor; and
    3. the Student-Athlete is not required to participate or engage in any activity prohibited by Section IV of this policy.

    4. Prohibitions

    1. No state funds appropriated to the University may be used to compensate a student athlete for an Endorsement Contract or a Revenue Sharing Agreement.
    2. Use of Marks. Student-Athletes are prohibited from using or consenting to the use of any University Marks when performing any services or activity associated with an Endorsement Contract or employment activity without prior written permission from the University or its authorized designee.
    3. University Employees. University employees are prohibited, in their individual capacity, from entering into an Endorsement Contract or a Revenue Sharing Agreement with any Student-Athlete or otherwise providing Compensation to a Student-Athlete in connection with a Student-Athlete’s participation in an Intercollegiate Athletic Program.
    4.  Student-Athletes.
      1. Student-Athletes are prohibited from performing any service or activity associated with an Endorsement Contract or employment activity that interferes with any official team activities or academic obligations.
      2. Student-Athletes are prohibited from receiving Compensation from entering an Endorsement Contract with, and/or otherwise engaging in an employment activity with companies, brands, products, conduct, and/or entertainment prohibited under University procedures adopted in accordance with this policy.

              PROCEDURES

              The President or the President’s designee may adopt procedures concerning the implementation of this policy.

              ENFORCEMENT
              Violations of this Policy or associated procedures may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with state law, University Laws and By-Laws, and Division of Athletics Student Athlete Handbook.

              POLICY HISTORY

              Policy created effective June 30, 2021 [Approved by the Board of Trustees]

              Revisions: May 2, 2022, March 18, 2025 [Approved by President’s Senior Policy Council]