The NCAA instituted its new NIL policy in July 2021 after the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled in favor of a group of college athletes in California who had challenged the NCAA’s policy that they could not be compensated for their play or from personal endorsements. Under the NCAA’s new rules, student-athletes are permitted to make endorsement deals and be paid for their personal appearances, autographs, social media and other opportunities.

IONA NIL GUIDELINES

At Iona University, student-athletes have the opportunity to authorize the utilization of their name, image, or likeness (NIL) in non-institutional activities. They are allowed to receive reasonable compensation that aligns with fair market value for these activities. However, it is important to note that student-athletes are prohibited from receiving compensation for their athletic participation or performance (Pay-for-play). Similarly, any form of compensation cannot be used as a means to entice or influence student-athletes to enroll at Iona University.

KEY POINTS

• NCAA NIL Interim Policy: The NCAA allows student-athletes to use their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) for commercial or promotional activities as of July 1, 2021.
• Disclosure Requirement: Student-athletes must inform the University about any NIL opportunity before participating in any NIL activity or signing contracts, using the Opendorse platform for disclosure.
• Prohibited NIL Activity: There are specific restrictions on the types of NIL activities that student-athletes cannot engage in, such as using university intellectual property, promoting certain products, and receiving payment for playing their sport.
• Professional Representation: Student-athletes are allowed to have professional representation for NIL contracts, but the representatives must be registered and/or licensed by the state of New York.
• Compliance with NCAA Guidelines: Student-athletes must adhere to NCAA guidelines, avoiding pay-for-play arrangements, inducements for enrollment, and extra benefits.
• Consequences of Violations: Violations of the NIL policy may lead to disciplinary measures, affecting athletic eligibility and potentially resulting in league or NCAA sanctions.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

• Tax Responsibility: Student-athletes are responsible for all tax and reporting obligations associated with NIL activities.
• University Disclaimer: The University holds no liability for any consequences arising from a student-athlete's participation in NIL activities.
• Additional Support: The Iona University Athletics Compliance Office offers support and resources for student-athletes regarding NIL matters.
• International Student Considerations: International students should consult the Iona University Athletics Compliance Office, as their visa status may impact their eligibility for NIL activity.

Full Iona Policy

Ways to Get Involved

	GAELS NATION NIL COLLECTIVE Following a recent NCAA policy change that opened the door for student-athletes to accept endorsements and financial compensation for their “Name, Image and Likeness” (NIL), a group of Iona University alumni have come together to form the Gaels Nation NIL collective with the goal of helping Iona student-athletes navigate the new NIL landscape, accelerate their career growth, maximize their personal value and facilitate endorsement opportunities. Gaels Nation offers a range of options for both businesses and fans to get involved, including one-time contribution, branded endorsements and more. PRESS RELEASE: Read on Iona.edu Read on IonaGaels.com GAELS NATION COLLECTIVE HOME: www.gaelsnation.com
	OPENDORSE MARKETPLACE Opendorse is a platform that supports student-athletes in maximizing their potential on and off the field. It simplifies social media management by allowing athletes to curate and share content across multiple platforms, engaging with fans and connecting with sponsors.   Opendorse also helps student-athletes secure endorsement opportunities by connecting them with brands and sponsors that align with their values and interests. These partnerships provide financial support and valuable experiences.   Additionally, Opendorse assists athletes in navigating the complex landscape of name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights. With recent NCAA changes, student-athletes can monetize their NIL rights, and Opendorse offers guidance, education, and tools to help them understand their rights, negotiate contracts, and comply with regulations.   Opendorse empowers student-athletes to build their personal brands, connect with sponsors, and navigate the evolving world of NIL rights, enabling them to make a lasting impact on their collegiate careers and future professional endeavors. OPENDORSE MARKETPLACE Iona Gaels on Opendorse
	adidas NIL Affiliate Program  adidas offers an an NIL Affiliate Ambassador Program for the 2023-24 school year.  This program creates a more equitable future in sport by empowering all student-athletes to have the opportunity to become paid adidas ambassadors. The program is open to all eligible student athletes. Student-athletes can create an account on Postgame, adidas' NIL platform, and set up profiles using the link below. Students will automatically be applied to the adidas program and will then be approved, if NIL eligible. Iona Student-Athletes can sign-up for the adidas NIL Affiliate Ambassador Program and create an account and set up their profile if interested in participating. Below are some additional educational pages:  General FAQ Getting Started How to Earn & Best Practices

OTHER WAYS IONA HELPS STUDENT-ATHLETES MAXIMIZE NIL:

• Programs offered through Iona University’s Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation on managing a personal brand, negotiating and navigating sports sponsorships.
• An academic minor in sports business offered through the LaPenta School of Business.
• In-person and virtual offerings from Opendorse on maximizing NIL/compliance with NCAA
• Networking opportunities at dinners, receptions, and golf outings.

NCAA LEGISLATION

GaelFUSE embraces the groundbreaking NCAA legislation on Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), empowering our student-athletes to harness their personal brand for commercial and promotional ventures. Through comprehensive guidance, compliance, and support, GaelFUSE paves the way for our athletes to thrive in the dynamic landscape of NIL opportunities.

11.1.3 Representing Individuals in Marketing Athletics Ability/Reputation

Staff members of the athletics department of a member institution shall not represent, directly or indirectly, any individual in the marketing of athletics ability or reputation to an agent, a professional sports team or a professional sports organization.

12.1.2 (a) Amateur Status

An individual loses amateur status and thus shall not be eligible for intercollegiate competition in a particular sport if the individual uses athletics skill (directly or indirectly) for pay in any form.

16.02.3 Extra Benefit

An extra benefit is any special arrangement by an institutional employee or representative of the institution's athletics interests to provide a student-athlete or the student-athlete family member or friend a benefit not expressly authorized by NCAA legislation. Receipt of a benefit by student-athletes or their family members or friends is not a violation of NCAA legislation if it is demonstrated that the same benefit is generally available to the institution's students or their family members or friends or to a particular segment of the student body (e.g., international students, minority students).

NEW YORK STATE LEGISLATION

New York State legislation requires each college athletic program that participates in Division 1 NCAA athletics shall offer a student-athlete assistance program or programs, designed to provide student-athletes with important tools aimed to enhance their well-being and experiences in the classroom, off the field of play, and beyond their tenure as student-athletes. The student-athlete assistance program may include but not be limited to:

• A dedicated financial distress fund that would support enrolled and/or current student-athletes in times of financial need. Disbursements from such funds are not compensation for the purposes of this section.
• Access to ongoing mental health support services provided by counselors specially trained to understand the unique issues and pressures student-athletes confront.
• Access to broad-based financial literacy training, with a specific emphasis on the issues and opportunities relevant to student-athletes, during and beyond their tenure at the college or university.
• A student-athlete degree completion assistance program that provides former student-athletes who disenrolled from the institution in good academic standing and who earned the NCAA Academic Progress Rate eligibility point (for Division I institutions), before completing their degree, access to need-based financial aid and counseling assistance required to support undergraduate degree completion.
• Access to training regarding sex-based discrimination and harassment that ensures student-athletes fully understand their rights and responsibilities under the law, including how to make a report of discrimination or harassment on their campus.
• Access to leadership training that will set the conditions for student-athletes to become successful leaders, improve communication skills, make positive decisions, and manage conflict.
• Access to a career development program, positioned to assist student-athletes in transferring the valuable skills developed during sport participation, to a successful post-college or university career.

FULL NEW YORK LEGISLATION

NCAA Resources

• Name Image Likeness Q&A
• NIL Resources