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.

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.

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

Yes – Minnesota State University has a Name, Image, and Likeness policy

Yes – Minnesota has passed House Bill 3329 into law

No – The Maverick Line Change Collective is a third-party entity that is unaffiliated with Minnesota State University.

The Line Change Collective is a registered LLC and, as such, contributions are not tax deductible.

We strive to keep our operating costs as low as possible 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.