University of Tennessee Athletics
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Effective July 1, 2021, based on the NCAA Division I Board of Directors’ approval of an interim name, image and likeness (NIL) policy, student-athletes may use their NIL for compensation. This interim policy and the institutional policies and procedures contained herein remain applicable until such time that either federal legislation or new NCAA rules are adopted.
Tennessee Athletics has initiated multiple strategic partnerships aimed at proactively equipping its student-athletes with the most comprehensive collection of resources to capitalize on and maximize their NIL opportunities in a responsible and effective manner.
HELPFUL LINKS
- NCAA NIL Policy Q&A
- Quick Guide to New Interim NCAA Policy
- New Interim Policy Key Takeaways
- Cycle of Individual Engaged in NIL Activities
- Considerations for Financial Aid Office
EDUCATIONAL VIDEOS
- NIL: NCAA Overview
- NIL: State and Federal Landscape
- NIL: NCAA Office of Legal Affairs
- NIL: Resources Overview
GENERAL RULE
Student-athletes may earn compensation for the use of their NIL. Such compensation must be commensurate with the fair market value of the authorized NIL use and may be provided in any form (i.e., cash, check, mobile payment app, product, good, service, etc.). Examples of permissible NIL activities include, but are not limited to student-athlete appearances, autograph signings, camps, clinics, and the promotion/endorsement of products and services. The following is prohibited under the NCAA’s interim policy and may negatively impact a student-athlete’s intercollegiate athletics eligibility: (1) NIL agreement without quid pro quo (e.g., compensation for work not performed); (2) NIL compensation contingent upon enrollment at a particular school; and (3) Compensation for athletic participation or achievement (this may enhance a student-athlete’s NIL value, but may not be the “consideration” for NIL compensation). NIL activities should not conflict with a student-athlete’s academic or team-related obligations.
EDUCATION
UT provides ongoing NIL-related education to its student-athletes in an effort to assist them in capitalizing on and maximizing their opportunities in a responsible and effective manner. In addition to securing the services and expertise of leading-edge NIL-focused firm Altius Sports Partners, Tennessee Athletics also has worked closely with on-campus experts to enhance the university’s for-credit Entrepreneurship minor in UT’s Haslam College of Business.
DISCLOSURE
Student-athletes are required to disclose each compensated NIL activity through the NIL Disclosure Form in Teamworks (located under the “Forms” tab).
INSTITUTIONAL FACILITIES
Student-athletes may request use/rental of institutional facilities for NIL activities by submitting the online Facility Rentals form. Related questions may be directed to utevents@utk.edu.
INSTITUTIONAL MARKS/LOGOS AND CONTENT
Marks and/or logos may only be used with the express written permission of UT. For requesting use of UT-related marks and/or logos by student-athletes or businesses for NIL activities or other inquiries regarding personal content (e.g., logos, graphics, imagery) please contact Alicia Longworth, Senior Associate Athletics Director for External Operations, at alicia.longworth@tennessee.edu.
INSTITUTIONAL MERCHANDISE/MEMORABILIA
In accordance with NCAA Bylaw 16.11.2.4, “an item received for participation in intercollegiate athletics may not be sold or exchanged or assigned for another item of value.” Therefore, student-athletes may not sell institutionally-issued apparel, equipment, awards, etc. (even if it will not be re-used) until they have exhausted their competition eligibility.
PROHIBITED CATEGORIES
Student-athletes are prohibited from involvement in NIL activities that promote gambling, tobacco, alcohol or adult entertainment, in addition to activities that are reasonably considered to be in conflict with UT values.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE PROVIDERS
Student-athletes may obtain representation by a third party, including but not limited to, an athlete agent, for the purpose of securing compensation for NIL activities. Any third-party representative must be a fiduciary for the represented student-athlete. Athlete agents who represent student-athletes for the purpose of securing compensation for NIL activities must be licensed in the state of Tennessee. If the student-athlete’s representative is an attorney, the attorney must also be active and in good standing with the board of professional responsibility or equivalent entity in the state in which the attorney is licensed.
OTHER
Income and tax implications associated with NIL activities are the responsibility of the student-athlete. Student-athletes’ need-based financial aid (e.g., Pell Grant) may be impacted based on compensation from NIL. Questions should be directed to One Stop Student Services. International student-athletes should not engage in any compensated NIL activities without the guidance from the UT Center for Global Engagement.
General NIL-related questions may be directed to nil@utk.edu.
