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.
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 a Drexel student-athlete enter into an NIL agreement with a Drexel booster?
Yes. There is no prohibition against legitimate business arrangements with an athletics booster. However, student-athletes must exercise caution when working with these individuals to ensure that they are not violating University policy, and activities are disclosed in accordance with institutional and/or state policy. It remains impermissible to offer inducements for recruits to attend Drexel or current student-athletes to remain at Drexel. NIL policies still prohibit pay-for-play: student-athletes cannot be compensated based on athletic performance.
Can a coach, athletics staff member, or other Drexel University employee provide me with student-athlete information for NIL purposes?
No. Drexel University employees are prohibited from compensating or facilitating compensation to a student-athlete, a prospective student-athlete, or their family members for NIL activities. Do not ask coaches or staff members to provide you with a student-athlete’s contact information for NIL purposes.
What is the process after entering into an NIL agreement with a Drexel student-athlete?
Drexel student-athletes will complete NIL disclosure forms for all of their NIL agreements. You are not required to submit any forms or report your NIL activities/agreements. Any questions or concerns you have about the terms of your agreement should be directed towards the student-athlete or their personal representative. Please note, student-athletes are not allowed to perform NIL activities when they are engaged in team activities (ex. competition, practice, travel, etc.) and may not miss class for NIL opportunities.
Are there any restrictions on compensation type, amount, or length for an NIL agreement?
To be compensated, Drexel student-athletes must perform work related to their NIL agreement. If they do not perform work, they cannot receive any form of compensation – it would be considered an extra benefit and violate NCAA policy and impact their eligibility. Student-athletes can be compensated either through physical or in-kind means. There is no limit on how much a student-athlete can be compensated for use of their NIL, but any compensation must be commensurate with the market value of their NIL and cannot extend beyond their participation in their sport at Drexel.
Additional Questions?
Please email
athleticscompliance@drexel.edu 
