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Student-Athlete Handbook - Section 5

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Name-Image-Likeness

The University and DIA are committed to promoting the rights of student-athletes to be compensated by third parties for the use of their name, image, likeness and voice (NIL). DIA’s comprehensive approach to NIL is designed to prepare student-athletes to intentionally and strategically grow and develop their personal brands and opportunities in the broader world, while also remaining compliant with applicable federal and state law, if any, as well as NCAA guidance, Big Ten Conference policy and Illinois rules and policies.

Types of Compensation

Eligible student-athletes may earn compensation in cash, gifts-in-kind, discounts, promotions, merchandise, services, business equity or any other form of legal consideration for the performance of their NIL activities.

Identification During NIL Activities

Illinois student-athletes may not make direct references to Illinois or the Illini during the performance of NIL activities with businesses without prior permission. However, student-athletes may showcase their experience in ways that do not directly affiliate the student-athlete with Illinois or the Illini. Descriptions that involve Illinois or the Illini are acceptable and encouraged in social media biographies, social media handles, profile pictures and other background information about the student-athlete.

Use of University of Illinois Trademarks

The University owns the rights to several trademarks including, but not limited to, the Block I logo, the Shield logo, the Fighting Illini and Illini names, Illinois gear, team uniforms, and other University identifying content. The University controls the ways its trademarks may be used. Student-athletes may not use Illinois or Big Ten Conference trademarks in conjunction with NIL activities unless they have received prior approval from DIA, the Big Ten Conference or Illinois Public Affairs, as appropriate.

Sale of Team-Issued Gear

DIA considers student-athlete sales of team-issued gear to fall under the purview of NIL activities. A student-athlete may sell team-issued gear only upon the conclusion of a student-athlete’s playing season and DIA’s replacement or reissuance of an equivalent team-issued item.

Use of Representation

The use of representation for NIL purposes will not negatively affect a student-athlete’s eligibility. Illinois student-athletes may seek representation to help with NIL arrangements, but not to assist with professional sports aspirations.

Disclosure

Student-athletes are required to disclose any transaction in which they receive compensation (in cash, in-kind or otherwise) from the use of their NIL within 30 days. Disclosure of NIL activities should be completed through Opendorse. Any transaction valued over $500 must be formalized into a written contract, and the contract should also be disclosed through Opendorse within 30 days of its execution.

NIL Conflicts with Team Activities and Academic Obligations

All NIL activities must be completed outside of team activities and academic obligations. Without prior approval from DIA personnel, student-athletes may not schedule NIL activities at times that may conflict with team activities, including competitions, practices, team gatherings and meetings. Also, student-athletes must not allow NIL activities to interfere with their academic obligations, including class time, lab time, tutoring and mandatory review sessions.

Use of Illinois Facilities

Student-athletes will not be allowed to utilize Illinois facilities for activities in which they will receive NIL compensation without completing a Facility Use Agreement in accordance with standard Illinois procedures and pricing. Student-athletes may also be asked to sign related agreements, provide liability insurance, or take other measures in connection with the particular type of arrangement. Student-athletes may not organize NIL activities in areas that are not rentable to the general public.

Sport Camps and Lessons

In general, student-athletes may host sport camps and teach lessons for compensation. If a student-athlete would like to use DIA facilities for the use of a sport camp or lesson, the approval process will require a facility rental agreement in accordance with standard Illinois procedures and pricing. Student-athletes may not host NIL activities in areas that are not rentable (e.g., locker rooms, medical/athletic training areas, team meeting rooms/lounges, hallways, etc.).

Restricted Activity Categories

Student-athletes may not engage in NIL activities for the promotion of gambling, sports betting, controlled substances, cannabis, firearms, ammunition, tobacco or alcohol companies, alternative or electronic nicotine products or delivery systems, performance-enhancing supplements, adult entertainment, or any brand that is reasonably considered to be inconsistent with the values or mission of the University.

International Student-Athletes

International student-athletes must adhere to all student visa requirements, which may include the inability to accept certain types of NIL opportunities. Questions regarding NIL activities as they relate to visa status should be directed to the Office of International Student and Scholar Services.