FAQ’s
WHAT IS NIL?
NIL stands for “Name, Image, and Likeness" specifically referring to the use of an athlete’s NIL through marketing and promotional endeavors. Student-athletes at NCAA institutions could begin monetizing their NIL beginning on July 1, 2021.
WHAT ARE THE NCAA RULES REGARDING NIL?
Generally speaking, all NIL activities are permitted, as they follow these four guidelines:
- There must be quid pro quo attached to an NIL deal essentially requiring a student-athlete to do an activity in order to receive compensation
- That activity cannot be tied to athletic performance such as statistical achievements, wins, or awards
- That activity cannot be contingent upon the student-athlete committing to the university that the collective supports or tied to enrollment
- Institutions do not provide compensation in exchange for the use of a student-athlete’s NIL
NCAA rules also require student-athletes to follow their state law or institutional policy if there is no existing state law governing NIL activities.
WHAT IS AN NIL ACTIVITY?
An NIL activity involves the use of a student-athlete’s name, image, or likeness for promotional purposes by a third-party not associated with the NCAA or an NCAA institution such as:
- Social media influencing and other promotions
- Personal appearances at businesses, conferences, camps, parties
- TV ads, radio ads, print ads
- Endorsements of a third-party
- Student-athlete-run camps and private lessons
- Autographs
- Sale of student-athlete owned apparel and personal items
- Student-athlete run businesses
What is the Maverick Line Change Collective?
The LCC is overseen by a board, independent of MSU Athletics, with a goal to deliver a premier Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) solution that enables Minnesota State to attract and develop gifted student-athletes who perform at high levels in sports as well as helping to enable those student-athletes to become well-equipped to thrive in athletic, academic, and entrepreneurial pursuits. It plans to pool funds from fans, alumni, and businesses to help facilitate NIL deals and monetize student-athlete brands.
WHO DOES THE LINE CHANGE COLLECTIVE WORK WITH?
The Maverick Line Change Collective works with student-athletes from Minnesota State University.
HOW WILL PAYMENTS BE MADE TO THE PLAYERS?
The Maverick Line Change Collective utilizes Opendorse, the leading operating software provider for collectives. This software allows student-athletes the ability to provide compliance reporting to Minnesota State University which can be accessed by the athletic department and to the NCAA (if requested) as well as serves as the way to distribute funds to student-athletes after they have completed their NIL obligation.
DOES MSU MANKATO HAVE AN NIL POLICY?
Yes – Minnesota State University has a Name, Image, and Likeness policy
DOES MINNESOTA HAVE AN NIL STATE LAW?
Yes – Minnesota has passed House Bill 3329 into law
How can individuals participate?
Individuals and organizations interested in supporting MSU Men’s Hockey athletes through contribution or community service projects can contact michelle@linechangenil.com or spenser@linechangenil.com
How can businesses participate?
Businesses looking for marketing and sponsorship opportunities can partner with the Maverick Line Change Collective to connect with MSU Men’s Hockey athletes for promotional activities. For more details, contact michelle@linechangenil.com or spenser@linechangenil.com
IS THE MAVERICK LINE CHANGE COLLECTIVE AN ENTITY OF MSU MANKATO?
No – The Maverick Line Change Collective is a third-party entity that is unaffiliated with Minnesota State University.
How can I support the Maverick Line Change Collective?
- Become a member
- Purchase Line Change Collective products (Beer, Seltzer, Apparel)
HOW WILL THE LINE CHANGE COLLECTIVE BE GOVERNED AND ADMINISTERED?
- The Line Change Collective has an Advisory Board whose purpose will be to organize the entity, manage/raise funds, and review and ratify annual audits as well as administer the Opendorse account and public relations.
- The Advisory Board will not be paid by The Line Change Collective for ANY purpose in furtherance of the NIL activities.
ARE CONTRACTS WITH STUDENT-ATHLETES EXCLUSIVE?
No – our agreements are intentionally non-exclusive to enable student-athletes to continue to build their brand with opportunities outside of The Line Change Collective.
What is an example of an NIL deal for a student athlete?
- Making social media channel posts.
- Signing autographs and memorabilia.
- Making personal appearances at businesses, conferences, camps, parties, and other events.
- Appearing in TV, online video, and radio ads.
- Participating in or offering student-run camps and private lessons.
- Selling student-athlete-owned apparel and personal items.
WHAT PERCENTAGE OF CONTRIBUTIONS GO TO THE ATHLETES?
We strive to keep our operating costs low so that as much of the contributions can be paid out to student-athletes as possible. Any remaining funds will be used to cover fundraising expenses, deal facilitation, and various administrative expenses.
DOES THE LINE CHANGE COLLECTIVE WORK WITH RECRUITS OR PROSPECTIVE STUDENT-ATHLETES?
No – In compliance with NIL regulations, The Line Change Collective will not meet with, contact, offer a deal, etc. to any prospective student-athlete. Until a student-athlete has signed their National Letter of Intent (NLI) and/or the institution has received a deposit of financial aid, they will not be contacted by The Line Change Collective.
Are memberships and/or contributions to the Maverick Line Change Collective tax-deductible?
Contributions to the Maverick Line Change Collective in exchange for providing NIL activities are NOT tax-deductible as charitable contributions; however, they can be tax-deductible as business marketing expenses.
For 2024, should I contribute to the Maverick Line Change Collective or Friends of Maverick Hockey?
The Maverick Line Change Collective is designed to be flexible to also support Friends of Maverick Hockey initiatives. With 2024 being the first year of the Maverick Line Change Collective, the goal is to build the Collective account for maximum impact as the Friends of Maverick Hockey account is currently in the position to cover this year’s needs. To address the needs of the program, funds can flex from the LCC to Friends of Maverick Hockey as needed.
For further questions, please contact us.