If you’re a student athlete who participates in any National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) sport, you may have missed changes in the law related to your name, image and likeness (NIL) that were passed in 2021. That’s understandable - you’ve been dealing with COVID, lockdowns, practice, school and tons of other things these last few years. 
 

But we want to make sure you understand these changes because they have massive implications on your pocketbook, social media accounts and brand. 

We’re not implying your college and coaches don’t care about you. But college sports are a big business. They can and will profit off of your name, image and likeness unless you protect yourself. 

And don’t worry - you don’t need to take a law class to understand what’s going on here. We’ll explain it to you and even help you find a lawyer to handle NIL for you, so you can focus on other things - like school and playing the sport you love. 

What is Name, Image, and Likeness?

NIL stands for name, image, and likeness. Those are the things that make you you. 

NIL also includes:

• any nicknames you have or ones that fans have given you
• your signature
• your social media accounts

In the past, student-athletes could not sell autographs, memorabilia, or other items. The colleges and universities they were attending, on the other hand, could. Sound like a scam? It is. 
 

New NIL Laws

In 2021, the NCAA  changed their rules about NIL (because even student-athletes fought them in a court and one eventually won). NCAA athletes can now make money in business ventures without losing their eligibility after state laws and NCAA changes have erased rules that kept athletes from earning money from things like training camps, autographs, social media posts, sponsorship, and more.

But laws vary state to state. Some states require student athletes need to file official reports. Others don’t. 

What should you do if you want to sell your NIL?

Students can work with lawyers to understand the market, rules, and regulations.

Lawyers can also help student athletes avoid scams. Sure, lawyers cost money, but in the end, you’ll likely end up with a profit. 

Our team of lawyers are experienced with NIL legislation. We can help you find an affordable attorney so you can focus on your game. 

This article is intended to convey generally useful information only and does not constitute legal advice. Any opinions expressed are solely those of the author, not Law Champs.