Name, Image, and Likeness Policy

Student Athletes

Agents

Businesses

Boosters

Truman Employees

Questions or Concerns? Contact Geoff Bruder with Truman State Athletics Compliance at gbruder@truman.edu

BUSINESSES

The NCAA recently changed its rules to permit student-athletes to use their name, image, and likeness, including to promote commercial businesses. The following FAQ has been developed to assist businesses in understanding the requirements to compensate a Truman State student-athlete for NIL activities.

Any questions of concerns please contact Truman States Athletics Department at 660-785-4236 or gbruder@truman.edu

Q: What is NIL and how are the NCAA rules changing?
A: NIL refers to a student-athlete earning compensation in exchange for the use their name or picture to promote a commercial business. Previously, the NCAA prohibited student-athletes from earning compensation in this manner (ex. A student-athlete couldn't appear in local car dealership commercial). As of July 1, 2021, the NCAA permits a student-athlete to earn compensation in exchange for participating in NIL activities. NIL activities may include, but are not limited to: social media endorsements, commercials, appearances, autograph signings, and other business activities. Additionally, in May 2021 the Missouri Legislature passed a law protecting a student-athletes right to earn compensation from NIL activities. The state law will become effective on August 28, 2021.

Q: Can a Truman State Coach or staff member provide me a student-athlete's contact information for NIL purposes?
A: No. Missouri State Law (effective August 28, 2021) prohibits all University employees from compensating or causing compensation to be directed to a student-athlete, a prospective student-athlete, or their family members for NIL activities. Businesses interested in hiring a Truman State student-athlete for NIL purposes should contact the student-athlete directly.

Q: Can I pay a student-athlete to promote my business?
A: Yes, as long as University staff member is not involved in arranging for the promotion, a student-athlete may be paid to promote your business. Student-athletes are required to disclose all NIL activities to the Truman State Athletics Compliance Office before they occur.

Q: Can I provide a student-athlete with non-cash compensation (free meal, discount, etc.) for a permissible NIL activity?
A: Yes, in-kind compensation is permissible, provided the student-athlete has completed the promotion and disclosed the agreement to the University. It remains impermissible to provide payment of any kind to a student-athlete for work not performed.

Q: Can I provide NIL compensation to a high school recruit so they will attend Truman State?
A: No. Any compensation provided as an inducement to attend Truman State remains impermissible.

Q: Are there other restrictions on NIL Activities?
A: Yes. A businesses agreement with a student-athlete cannot conflict with the Truman State University's Code of Conduct, or contracts between the University and another third-party. Student-athletes (or the company involved in the promotion) cannot use Truman State University’s protected logos, trademarks, or phrases without proper licensing. Content created by the University (e.g., game photos or video) also cannot be used for commercial purposes without proper licensing. Finally, student-athletes cannot participate in NIL activities during official team activities.

When dealing with NCAA rules and student-athlete eligibility, there are many caveats and exceptions. It is recommended local businesses contact the Truman State Athletics Compliance Office. (gbruder@truman.edu) to review any questions related to NIL activities prior to the activity.