NIL @ UConn
As the landscape of college athletics continues to change, UConn has embraced the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era with confidence. We consistently strive to support our student-athletes in this space with the primary goal of enhancing this support system inclusive of partnerships and resources.
We believe this approach will provide a broad range of opportunities for our student athletes, subsequently displaying a track record that will maximize our competitiveness and recruiting efforts while allowing us to achieve at the highest levels.
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NIL Deal Categories at UConn
Below is a breakdown of the types of deals UConn student-athletes are utilizing to monetize their Name, Image and Likeness.
Social Media
Content Creation
Endorsements
Appearances
Merchandise
Autographs
OneTeam Partners
OneTeam Partners works with licensees to help student athletes turn their name, image and likeness into real earnings through group licensing. By opting in, UConn student athletes can have their NIL included in products like jerseys, t-shirts, video games, or trading cards sold by major brands such as Nike, Athletes Thread, Campus Ink, EA Sports, Topps and more.
If you are a UConn student athlete and are interested in opting in, please contact Dom Godi or Hannah Parr for more information.
Learfield
UConn’s multimedia rights holder, Learfield, engages in the education of current and potential corporate partners in the NIL space, which allows UConn student-athletes to align themselves with potential opportunities that match their ideals and personalities.
NIL Resources
NIL Services
NIL Creative
NIL Creative is UConn Athletics’ in-house NIL department of student videographers solely dedicated to UConn student athlete brand deals. Its purpose is to help student athletes create high-quality, strategic content that enhances their personal brands and maximizes their own NIL opportunities.
The use of UConn IP requires further approvals. Please reach out to Hannah Parr for scheduling of this service.
Facility Rentals
Student athletes and external productions must receive approval from the NIL team for any filming of third-party NIL endorsements in our athlete facilities. Please reach out to Dom Godi for all NIL facility use and rental inquiries and/ or fill out this form.
Facility Rental FAQ
What type of deals/productions are considered facility rentals?
All filming for deals that are NOT being done by our NIL Creative team will require a facility rental fee.
How much does it cost to rent a facility?
The rental rate is $225/ hour. For rentals lasting 8 hours or more, a flat rate of $5,000 applies.
How much lead time is required?
Please allow for 5-7 business days, but it is also dependent on the scope of the project.
What paperwork is required?
All facility rentals will be required to fill out a facility use agreement from us and send a certificate of insurance with the proper addressed language.
Student Athlete NIL Education
As the landscape of college athletics continues to change, UConn has embraced the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era with confidence. We consistently strive to support our student-athletes in this space with the primary goal of enhancing this support system inclusive of partnerships and resources. Student-athletes will receive ongoing education from the Office of Athletics Compliance regarding third-part NIL, resources available to assist them in their NIL endeavors and their requirement to disclose in Influencer and NIL Go.
Due to the settlement in the House v. NCAA case, if you have a NIL deal of $600.00 or more with a third-party (an individual or entity other than UConn) you MUST report it at NILGo.com. Please navigate to NILGo.com and create your account as soon as possible to ensure there is no lapse in submission. Note that as part of the registration process you will be asked to share your NCAA Eligibility Center ID number.
Disclosing the deal in NILGo MUST be done within five business days of execution of the NIL contract or otherwise agreement to the contract or payment terms. Failure to do so may lead to penalties, including the loss of your NCAA eligibility.
Student-athletes can also find out more and get support by:
- Visiting the NIL Go Resource Center at NILGo.com
- Using the Chat function at NILGo.com to speak to a NIL Go team member
- Reaching out to me or another member of the athletics department team
FAQ For Student-Athletes
What is the difference between NILGo and the Influencer app?
NILGo is primarily used for disclosing deals over $600. The Influencer app is designed to connect student-athletes to brands and help them access media content.
Can I add my agent as a representative in Influencer?
Yes. Student-athletes may designate one representative (e.g., an agent) to enter deals on their behalf, with final submission being performed by the student athlete themselves. Faculty and staff members of UConn are not allowed to be listed as a representative.
We ask all representatives to fill out an Agent Registration Form that we provide a copy of the agreement they reached with our student athlete as well. Please contact Will Aloia (william.aloia@uconn.edu) for this form.
When do I have to disclose my third-party NIL deal in NILGo?
Disclosing the deal in NILGo MUST be done within five business days of execution of the NIL contract or otherwise agreement to the contract or payment terms. Failure to do so may lead to penalties, including the loss of your NCAA eligibility.
What happens if my deal isn’t approved?
Student-athletes have three options if their deals are not cleared through NILGO:
1. Revise and Resubmit: Student-athletes can work with the deal sponsor and/or facilitator to revise the agreement and resubmit it through NILGO.
2. Cancel the Deal: Student-athletes may choose to cancel the deal and return any compensation already received.
3. Appeal to Neutral Arbitration: Student-athletes may appeal through a neutral arbitration process to obtain an independent review of the decision.
** If the student-athlete goes through with an uncleared deal, he or she is subject to enforcement consequences, which could result in the loss of eligibility.
I am a student athlete who has been approached about an NIL deal. What should I do?
NIL deals of $600 or more must be disclosed in NILGo. The deal will then be reviewed and assigned cleared, not cleared, or flagged for additional review. If not cleared, you may be asked to revise the deal and resubmit, cancel the deal, or appeal to neutral arbitration. Once a deal is cleared, you are able to proceed with the deal.
A NIL deal cannot be executed with UConn logo/mark/trademark/copyright or in a UConn facility unless the student athlete has received approval.
If you need assistance in video, photo, or editing for your NIL deal, please reach out to Hannah Parr (hannah.parr@uconn.edu) to schedule time with our NIL Creative student interns.
May a student-athlete receive NIL compensation based on a student-athlete’s athletic performance at UConn (pay for play?)
No. Compensation cannot be based on athletic performance.
When can student-athletes sign a promotional contract?
Current student-athletes can sign contracts as of July 1, 2021. Prospective student-athletes are encouraged to review their state governmental guidelines, as well as contact their state high school athletic association for further guidance.
A contract for compensation for the use of an athlete’s NIL while the athlete is under eighteen years of age shall be executed on the intercollegiate athlete’s behalf by their parent or legal guardian.
An intercollegiate athlete shall not enter into a contract for compensation for the use of the athlete’s NIL if a term of the contract conflicts with a term of the athletics program’s team contract.
The duration of a contract for representation of an intercollegiate athlete or compensation for the use of an athlete’s NIL shall not extend beyond their participation in an athletics program at a postsecondary education institution.
May a NIL contract stipulate that a student-athlete must compete for or attend UConn?
No, NIL is based on the foundation of endorsement of a person, not a requirement to attend an Institution for athletic ability.
Can I wear UConn gear while filming an NIL deal?
No, student athletes are not permitted to wear UConn logos or marks on their clothing UNLESS the school has provided written permission in advance of signing the NIL contract.
May international student-athletes utilize NIL?
International student-athletes should NOT enter into any NIL agreements without guidance from the UConn Compliance Office/ Will Aloia (william.aloia@uconn.edu) to discuss and prevent any complications with student visa/immigration issues.
What kinds of promotions are prohibited?
Student-athletes may not enter a NIL contract to receive compensation for the advertisement, endorsement or promotion of the following:
- Gambling
- Alcohol
- Sports Betting
- Performance Enhancing Supplements
- Controlled Substances
- Marijuana
- Tobacco
- Any Product Inconsistent with Values & Mission of the University or Reflects Adversely on the University or Athletics.
FAQ For Businesses
I own or represent a business and am interested in engaging in an NIL deal with a UConn student athlete. What should I do?
Please go to our Contact Us page and fill out the form there.
What type of NIL deals are permissible for businesses to conduct with UConn student athletes?
Businesses can sign student athletes for a variety of deals, including endorsements, social media, appearances, autographs, marketing, and more.
May businesses compensate a student-athlete for their NIL when the student-athlete is engaged in official team activities?
No, if a student-athlete is participating in a competition, fan event or other activity sponsored or organized by UConn Athletics, the student-athlete may not be compensated for his autograph, photo or other service.
Is there a limit on what businesses can compensate a student-athlete for their NIL?
No, but state law requires that payment or compensation to a student-athlete for a NIL contract must be at fair market value.
When do businesses compensate a student-athlete after a NIL contract has been signed?
The compensation time frame to a student-athlete for the use of their NIL is determined by the two parties to the NIL contract. All NIL contracts are disclosed to NILGO before the contract is signed and before any compensation is provided to ensure compliance with state law and university policies. A NIL deal cannot be executed with logo/mark/trademark/copyright/facility until written permission is received. Any questions on the disclosure process can be directed to the UConn Compliance Office / Will Aloia (william.aloia@uconn.edu)
Additional Questions?
Contact Assistant Athletic Director of Athletics Administration Cat Zuppani at nil@uconn.edu