University of Massachusets Athletics
Massachusetts NIL
The Massachusetts Athletics vision is to build champions and instill pride through excellence in the classroom, community and competition. Our mission is to develop, graduate and inspire champions through athletics. As we strive to have each of our student-athletes experience success, an important element in the current landscape is their ability to take advantage of name, image and likeness (NIL) opportunities.
Name, Image, and Likeness provides student-athletes the opportunity to receive compensation for commercial purposes. UMass NIL goals are to inspire entrepreneurial and innovative thinking which ensures that every student-athlete has the necessary resources and knowledge to create, leverage and promote their own personal brand. This will allow UMass student-athletes to maximize their value for future success in life after sport.
Student-athletes are permitted to:
- Receive compensation from a business for the company to use their NIL to promote a product or service
- Use their NIL to promote their own business or a business they are working for
- Receive compensation to sign autographs or appear at a business or private event
- Utilize an agent to assist with any NIL activities, provided they have a written agreement with the agent specific to NIL activities and not for sport-related representation
NCAA rules DO NOT permit student-athletes to:
- Receive compensation in exchange for athletic performance or attendance at an institution
- Receive compensation in exchange for an endorsement of alcohol, tobacco products and nicotine devices, anabolic steroids, sports betting, gambling, firearms student-athletes cannot legally purchase or sexually oriented businesses
- Partake in a NIL activity that conflicts with a team contract, an institutional contract, an athletics policy, or an institutional policy or honor code
- Partake in a NIL activity that takes place during official team activities or during their scheduled class time
- Partake in a NIL contract that extends beyond collegiate participation
All D1 student-athletes must report third-party (an individual or entity other than UMass) NIL deals with compensation that equals or exceeds $600 (total) at NILGo.com. Failure to do so may lead to penalties, including the loss of NCAA eligibility.
NIL Go Deal Entry Tips:
- Upload a clear and readable copy of your contract or deal terms.
- Accurately enter your compensation – this includes direct payments as well as goods and services – and make sure this matches the amount in your contract.
- Carefully check you have entered the correct number and type of obligations. Examples: 5 InstagramorTikTok posts = 5 social media posts or 1 post on X a week for a year = 52 social media posts
- Reach out to the individual or organization you did the deal with if your contract or deal terms are not clear. Remember, you can add a representative in NIL Go to help you enter your deals.
- Student-athletes at UMass may state they play “[insert name of sport] at UMass” or that they are “a member of the [insert name of sport] at UMass” to identify themselves in connection with NIL Activity.
- Per NCAA rules, student-athletes may not sell products provided by UMass Athletics or awards received for intercollegiate athletic participation.
- During NIL activities, student-athletes may not use the University’s name, trademarks, service marks, logos, symbols, or other intellectual property of the University (including wearing apparel with University trademarks or logos) without prior written permission from University of Massachusetts Trademark and Licensing Administration.
- See: Trademark Use Form
- Any merchandise used in NIL activities that contains University trademarks, service marks, logos, symbols, or other intellectual property must be manufactured by University licensees. Please consult the University of Massachusetts Trademark & Licensing Administration for additional information.
- The use of generic UMass athletic department owned photography (facilities, crowd shots, etc.) is allowed for NIL activities upon written request. Individuals requesting to use University-owned photography must contact the UMass Trademark & Licensing Administration at trademarkapprovals@umass.edu.
- Each image will cost $25.00 and made payable to “UMass Licensing” by check.
- No University owned trademarks, logos or insignia may appear in NIL activity (including but not limited to social media posts) without first receiving express permission from the UMass Trademark and Licensing Administration.
- The use of third-party owned images for NIL activity is allowed following a review and approval process with the UMass Trademark & Licensing Administration.
- No current or former student-athlete photos will be provided or used.
- Student-athletes may secure representation (agent, lawyer, financial advisor), ONLY for NIL and NOT for future professional athletic contract purposes.
- Student-athletes are asked to disclose all third-party NIL deals with a value of $600 or more for approval into NLIgo prior to receiving any payment.
UMass NIL policy prohibits student-athletes from engaging in NIL activities that include, but are not limited to:
- Sex/Adult Entertainment
- Alcohol Brands/Liquor Stores
- Tobacco products or e-cigarettes
- CBD products or marijuana dispensaries
- Sports wagering or gambling
- firearms, firearm manufacturers, firearm shooting ranges, firearm accessories
- NCAA banned substances
- Activities causing disruption or reflect unfavorably on the team, athletics department, or the University
Student-athletes shall not:
- Miss class to participate in a promotional or NIL activity
- Miss required team activities, including practice and competitions, to participate in a promotional or NIL activity
- Use UMass facilities or uniforms in conducting promotional activities without approval from the licensing and trademark office
- Be permitted to use UMass logos, trademarks, trade dress (uniforms), or other intellectual property without obtaining the appropriate license from UMass prior to such use
- Income and tax implications associated with NIL activities are the responsibility of the student-athlete. Student-athletes should be aware that receiving compensation for NIL activities could have an impact on their need-based financial aid, especially for those receiving Pell Grants. Student-athletes are encouraged to consult with the UMass Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid Services.
- Federal immigration laws restrict International student-athletes from profiting off their NIL, and doing so could affect a student’s visa and NCAA eligibility. International students should not engage in any NIL activity without consulting with the International Programs Office and the Office of Athletics Compliance.
The University reserves the right to adjust these policies at any time based on institutional or NCAA policy changes or changes in applicable laws, rules, or regulations. Changes will be communicated through UMass’ Office of Athletics Compliance. The application of this policy in no way creates an employment relationship between the University and any student-athlete.
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. In addition, violations of this policy may result in cancellation of athletics financial aid if a student athlete is deemed ineligible to participate in competition.
For questions or concerns regarding name, image, and likeness, please contact us at athcompliance@umass.edu.