Drexel University Athletics
NIL FAQ For Current Student Athletes
What is NIL?
NIL stands for name, image, and likeness, and refers to an individual's right of self-publicity in exchange for compensation.What are NIL activities?
NIL activities are any activities in which a student-athlete authorizes a person, business, or other entity to use their NIL and receive compensation in return for their work. Example activities may include personal appearances or autograph signings, promotion or sale of products and services, operation of camps/clinics, and entrepreneurial activities.What are prohibited NIL activities?
Drexel student-athletes cannot earn compensation as a result of the use of their NIL in connection with any anything that is illegal, conflicts with University policy, or conflicts with NCAA rules. Current and/or prospective student-athletes cannot receive any type of compensation through an NIL agreement in exchange for their commitment to attend a school, remain at a school, for their athletic performance, or for work not actually performed.Does Pennsylvania have a state law that applies to all Drexel student-athletes?
Yes, all Drexel student-athletes are held to the PA state law with NIL activities. The PA state law can be found here: Pennsylvania 2021 Act No. 26 Article XX-K approved by the Governor June 30, 2021How is Drexel University preparing its student-athletes for success and understanding of NIL policy?
Drexel University has launched Dragons' Edge, a comprehensive Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) educational program designed to assist student-athletes in the growth of their personal brand. This program covers numerous topics that affect Drexel's student-athletes including those such as branding, compliance, entrepreneurial and business training and development, financial management, collaboration, and negotiation. The athletic department is partnering with other campus academic departments and units, including LeBow College of Business and the Close School of Entrepreneurship, to prepare Drexel student-athletes to navigate the new landscape in college athletics.What should I be aware of?
Entering into an NIL contract is a business relationship. This can have legal and financial consequences. Income from your NIL activity can also impact your eligibility for need based financial aid and Pell grants, as well as have potential tax implications. Pennsylvania Law requires that you disclose all opportunities to Drexel's Compliance Office seven days prior to entering an NIL contract. Student-athletes are permitted to seek financial and legal guidance from a PA registered agent, lawyer, or financial advisor before entering into NIL agreements.Should I seek approval prior to engaging in NIL discussions?
Student-athletes are permitted to engage in NIL activity. All NIL activities must comply with Pennsylvania law, Drexel University policies, NCAA policy and CAA policy.Do I need to disclose my NIL activities?
Yes. Student-athletes engaging in NIL activities must complete the NIL disclosure form on INFLCR and ARMS at least two days prior to execution of the agreement to the Drexel Athletics Compliance Office for all NIL activities if the value of the deal is less than $600. If the value of the NIL deal exceeds $600 than you must submit through NIL Go within five business days of the executed contract (signed agreement).Please note, completing the disclosure form is not an official approval of the NIL activity.
What will be included in my disclosure?
The disclosure will include information related to the use of your name, image, and likeness for the promotion of a brand, company, product, service, or other entity. It will also include compensation type and amount.What is the approval process for NIL activities?
Drexel student-athletes will complete the Name, Image and Likeness Disclosure form that includes how the student-athlete plans to engage in the NIL activity. The Athletics Compliance Office will be notified and review the disclosure form to make sure it aligns with PA State Law, NCAA and CAA NIL Policy and Drexel University policies. If a student requests the use of university marks and logos, the Athletic Department's External Relations Office will be notified to verify that the request aligns with the Drexel Name and Insignia Policy and sponsor agreements.If the agreement is greater than $600 than you will be required to submit via the new NCAA reporting system - NIL Go, and the opportunity will be reviewed and deemed cleared or not cleared via their Range of Compensation determination. If deemed not cleared, you will have multiple opportunities to resubmit with altered terms.
How can I be compensated for use of my NIL?
To be compensated, you must perform work related to your NIL. If you do not perform work, it would be considered an extra benefit and violate NCAA policy and impact your eligibility. You can be compensated either through physical or in-kind means. For example, you can be compensated through cash or a check (physical compensation), or free/reduced-priced gear or meal credits (in-kind compensation). You cannot receive NIL-related compensation from Drexel University.How much can I be compensated for use of my NIL?
There is no limit on how much you can be compensated for use of your NIL, but any compensation you earn in connection with your NIL must be commensurate with the market value of your NIL.When can I perform NIL activities?
You cannot participate in NIL activities during official team activities (ex. practices, competitions, and travel), nor during required academic meetings (ex. Class, advisor/professor meetings, ACHIEVE meetings).Can I seek professional representation for NIL activity?
Yes. You may obtain professional representation by an athlete agent or attorney for the purpose of securing compensation for the use of your NIL. Any agent, financial advisor, or lawyer you seek must be licensed in the state. Your selected athlete agent or attorney may not also represent you for the purpose of marketing your athletics ability or reputation in a sport to secure an opportunity as a professional athlete nor represent/have represented Drexel. You must disclose any potential or secured professional representation for NIL activity, or professional athletics, to the Compliance Office.Can my NIL terms (written or verbal) dictate what I wear or what equipment I use during practice and/or competition?
No. You are required to wear team-issued gear and use team-issued equipment during all CARA related activities.Can I use university branded attire or material during promotional events (ex. filming an endorsement while wearing a Drexel hat)?
For use of the Athletic Department or University's name in any other manner, or the use of any logo, marks, or other intellectual property owned by the University in connection with noninstitutional NIL Activity, including all aspects of the uniform, mascot, unique colors and other defining insignia, Student-Athletes must receive prior written approval from the Athletics Compliance Office and Athletics External Relations Office. All use must comply with the Use of the Drexel Name and Insignia Policy. If you plan on wearing Drexel University gear, you must fill out the Name, Image and Likeness Addendum on ARMS after submitting your NIL transaction for approval on INFLCR.Can I engage in NIL activities with sponsors of the University or entities that compete with sponsors of the University?
Student-Athletes may engage in NIL Activity with sponsors of the University or entities that compete with sponsors of the University; provided, however, such NIL Activity may not conflict with the provisions of any agreement to which the University is a party. The University will review the Name, Image and Likeness Disclosure Form and notify the Student-Athlete if the proposed NIL Activity presents a conflict with any existing agreements of the University. Any further revision to the proposed NIL Activity agreement must be disclosed and will be subject to further review by the University.Is there a list of current Drexel Athletic Department sponsors?
University Sports PublicationsPita Chip
Franklin Mint FCU
Valley Forge Convention & Visitors Bureau
Aramark
Tower Health
Drexel School of Education
Shake Shack
Sign & Design
Dietz & Watson
AT Chadwick
Steamfitters Local 420
98IBEW
The GIANT Company
Academy Bus
JK Renewables
Aloft & Four Points Philadelphia Airport
Fresh Grocer
Study Hotels
Pepsi
GIANT Heirloom Markets
Penn Medicine
Klothes Kampus
Independence Blue Cross
BSN Sports
Blaze Pizza
Barnes & Noble
American Campus Communities