University of Chicago Athletics - Name, Image and Likeness Activities Policy
The University of Chicago (“University”) supports student-athletes receiving compensation for the use of their name, image and likeness from sources outside the University.
Consistent with Illinois State law and NCAA policy, the University of Chicago has developed the following policy regarding the name, image, and likeness (NIL) activities of student-athletes. A student-athlete’s failure to comply with this policy may result in penalties imposed by the NCAA and/or the University that could impact the student-athlete’s eligibility to participate in intercollegiate athletics and/or result in University disciplinary action.
NIL Defined
A name, image, and likeness activity includes any situation in which a student-athlete’s name, image, likeness, or voice is used for promotional purposes by a non-institutional entity, including the individual student-athlete, a commercial entity, or a noninstitutional nonprofit or charitable entity. While such activities may provide compensation for a student-athlete, those activities that do not provide compensation are also covered under this policy. Student-athletes’ use and monetization of their name, image and likeness may involve a wide range of activities, including but not limited to:
- Traditional commercials or advertisements for products or services,
- Student-athletes developing and promoting their own business
- Personal appearances
- Student-athletes running their own camps or clinics
- Providing private lessons (and using their name or image to promote those lessons)
- Sponsored social media posts
- Autograph sessions
Institutional Disclosure Requirements
Student-athletes are required to disclose contact information for all parties involved in the use of their name, image, and likeness, as well as any involved professional service providers. The student-athlete must also disclose compensation arrangements and the details of their relationship with involved parties. Student-athletes must disclose to the University in writing the proposed name, image, and likeness activities at least seven (7) days prior to committing to said activities. If arrangements and details of agreements to promote a commercial product or service are amended, the student-athlete must provide the University with written notice at least seven (7) days prior to the effective date of the change.
Additionally, if the student-athlete obtains professional representation, the student-athlete must provide the University with written notice and a copy of the agreement within seven (7) days of entering into a representation agreement.
The student-athlete must use the disclosure form listed in the student-athlete handbook to disclose their NIL activity and agreement.
Institutional Restrictions
A student-athlete may not enter into an agreement with a third-party that conflicts with any existing sponsorship agreements. If the University identifies a conflict between the student-athlete’s name, image, and likeness activities and an existing sponsorship agreement, the institution shall inform the student-athlete of such a conflict, so the student-athlete has the opportunity to negotiate a revision of name, image, and likeness activities with the third-party. That revision is also subject to additional review and approval by the University.
Student-athletes may not enter into an apparel contract that requires the student-athlete to display a sponsor’s apparel, or otherwise advertise for a sponsor, during official team activities if the provision conflicts with University policy, practice, or any University contractual requirement.
Student-athletes may not engage in name, image, and likeness activities while participating in required University activities or while representing the University.
Student-athletes will not be permitted to use colors, logos, or images, including University trademarks, which identify the University in any name, image, or likeness activities. A student-athlete may only reference their attendance at the University and participation in athletics in biographical information.
Student-athletes may not use University facilities for any name, image, or likeness activities.
A student-athlete must request approval from the University in writing in advance to engage in name, image, and likeness activities on the University’s campus or in connection with any University activity, and all activities and approvals are subject to applicable University policies and procedures regarding third parties and commercial ventures.
Student-athletes may not miss required educational obligations (e.g., class, exams or scheduled tutor/mentor sessions) or required team activities for any name, image and likeness activities.
A student-athlete’s involvement in name, image and likeness activities will not relieve the student-athlete from the obligation to comply with all NCAA and University academic standards, requirements, regulations or obligations; team rules of conduct or other applicable rules of conduct; standards or policies regarding participation in intercollegiate athletics; or disciplinary rules and standards generally applicable to University students.
A student-athlete may obtain professional representation (agent or attorney) for advice, contract representation, and the marketing of their NIL, so long as the professional representation is NOT representing the student-athlete in securing professional athletic opportunities.
Prohibited Activities
Student-athletes may not receive compensation, which is conditioned or contingent on enrolling at, or continuing enrollment at the University, or on any specific athletic performance or achievement.
Student-athletes may not enter into agreements for use of their name, image or likeness in any Prohibited Sponsorship Category. In the event that a student-athlete enters into agreement in a Prohibited Sponsorship Category, the student-athlete shall be required to terminate such agreement.
A “Prohibited Sponsorship Category” is any sponsorship agreement in certain categories, with specific entities or with specific identified individuals that are in conflict with existing University contracts, University policies, Illinois State law, and/or NCAA rules and regulations.
Prohibited Sponsorship Categories include, but are not limited to:
- Gambling or sports wagering, and vendors associated with gambling or sports wagering
- Alcohol, and vendors associated with alcohol products
- Tobacco, and vendors associated with tobacco products
- Alternative or electronic nicotine products or delivery systems, and associated vendors
- Marijuana, and vendors associated with marijuana products
- Products or services that are illegal
- Substances that are on the NCAA Banned Substance List and/or performance enhancing supplements
- Adult entertainment
- Activities which are misleading, offensive, or in violation of a law, ordinance, NCAA bylaw or any University contract obligation or policy
- Activities that appear to create an endorsement by the University of a particular company, product, political candidate or position regarding public policies
- Activities that are inconsistent with the University’s Policy on Harassment, Discrimination, and Sexual Misconduct, including but not limited to, activities that ridicule, exploit or demean persons based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law (including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972)
Student-athletes may not sell or trade any equipment, apparel, or awards provided to them by the University as part of any NIL activities.
Student-athletes may not enter into an agreement for NIL activities unless the compensation to be paid the student-athlete is for work performed and is at a rate reflecting fair market value.
University Involvement
Neither the University nor a University employee may be involved in the development, operation or promotion of any student-athlete’s name, image, and likeness activities. Further, University employees may not enter into agreements with, or benefit from, a student-athlete’s name, image, or likeness activities.
Additional Considerations
International student-athletes should seek guidance regarding the impact of any NIL activity upon their visa status.
Student-athletes should be aware that income from NIL activities would likely be considered taxable income. Student-athletes should consult with an appropriate tax professional about the tax implications of any compensation they earn.
Any income received by a student-athlete could impact that student-athlete’s eligibility for need-based financial aid.
