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, 2021
How 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.
Can I engage in NIL activities as a prospective student-athlete?
Yes. Prospective student-athletes may engage in the same types of NIL opportunities available to current student-athletes without impacting your NCAA eligibility.
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 collegiate athlete. It is important to disclose any potential professional representation for NIL activity to the Compliance Office.
Can NIL violation(s) affect my recruit-ability and/or eligibility?
Violations of this policy may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with state law, federal law, University policies, procedures and/or codes of conduct and may result in NCAA sanctions up to and including permanent ineligibility to participate in college athletics. NCAA amateurism rules still apply and procedure for violations of amateurism bylaws remain in effect.
Additional Questions?
Please email
athleticscompliance@drexel.edu 
