Name, Image, & Likeness
Effective July 1, 2021, the NCAA rules allow student-athletes to be compensated for the use of their names, images, or likelinesses (NIL). This change in policy now allows athletes to earn compensation for the use of their NIL so long as that use is in accordance with state law, institutional policy, and all other NCAA rules and regulations.
The most prominent ways athletes are using their NIL to earn compensation are through social media marketing and partnerships, endorsement opportunities, athlete run camps and clinics, and appearances/autograph signings at events.
The NCAA maintains the strict preexisting prohibitions on receiving pay-for-play and the use of NIL as a recruiting inducement to attend or remain at an institution.
VCU's NIL policy can be found by clicking here.
NIL Activities Disclosure
Virginia state law and the NCAA require student-athletes to disclose all NIL activities. This includes information related to transactions, compensation, arrangements and details of relationships with an involved individual, commercial entity and third parties (e.g., contact information, indication of role) through the VCU Athletics disclosure process. The disclosure must be approved by VCU Compliance. If arrangements and details of an NIL Activity are amended, the student-athlete shall provide updates within seven days of the change. Absent disclosure, VCU is unable to assist a student-athlete with eligibility implications that may result from violation of current or future NCAA rules, state, or federal law. In addition, VCU is unable to assist with, or provide NIL resources to, student-athletes who do not disclose NIL deals above $600.
Here is the step-by-step disclosure process: