Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL)

Delaware State University

WHAT IS NIL?

Name, image and likeness (or NIL) are the three elements that make up “right of publicity”, a legal concept used to prevent or allow the use of an individual to promote a product or service. For example, if an athlete’s photograph is taken while wearing an athletic brand, and that brand uses the photo to promote their products without the athlete’s consent, that athlete could claim the brand is in violation of the right of publicity.

The right of publicity is generally used to protect against the misuse of an individual’s name, image and likeness for commercial promotion. However, the NCAA has been scrutinized for years, as critics say the NCAA takes advantage of student-athletes by using their name, image and likeness for profit, while not allowing the athletes to cash in, as well.

HORNET302NATION

Delaware State University Collectives Mission Statement and Philosophy:

Hornet302Nation operates within the NCAA and University guidelines as a model for HBCUs in capitalizing on NIL opportunities and cultivating the best experience for our student-athletes. We envision an elevated experience for our student-athletes given the NIL and its newly given opportunities. Our student-athletes will understand the value that they have on the new NCAA landscape and how they can properly monetize their NIL "Name, Image, Likeness" which allows them to grow their personal brands while elevating the DSU brand in the process

GOALS for Hornet302Nation:

Generate NIL opportunities for DSU Student-Athletes to profit from their personal brands.
Empower and invest in Student-Athletes at DSU by raising funds and providing resources to maximize their rights to NIL deals.
Secure donor funding and sponsorship opportunities to help further the mission of DSU Athletics of building Champions, Scholars, and Citizens.
Engage Student-Athletes in a meaningful way during the era of NIL and the transfer portal.
Provide contributors with access to exclusive experiences, content, and marketing opportunities.

NCAA NIL FAQS
What does NIL stand for?
NIL stands for name, image and likeness, which primarily pertains to student-athletes in college sports.
What does NIL mean?
NIL refers to the rights of college athletes to control and profit from their name, image and likeness. In the past, these rights were restricted by the NCAA, but recent policy changes now allow athletes to monetize their personal brand and endorsements while participating in college sports.
When did NIL start?
Effective July 1, 2021, the NCAA approved name, image, and likeness policy allows student-athletes to monetize their NIL. However, no federal legislation or specific NCAA NIL rules have been established. NIL activities and restrictions vary from state to state and school to school, which means student-athletes must understand both sets of rules before entering into any NIL agreements.
What is a NIL deal?
A NIL deal is an agreement or arrangement between a student-athlete and a third party, such as a brand, company or individual, where the student-athlete receives compensation for the use of their name, image and likeness.
What is an NIL collective?
NIL collectives are support networks for college athletes where donors pool together money to compensate athletes for their name, image and likeness. These independent organizations generate NIL deals for athletes at specific schools while operating separately from the schools themselves.

Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL)

NCAA NIL FAQS

What does NIL stand for?

What does NIL mean?

When did NIL start?

What is a NIL deal?

What is an NIL collective?