INTRODUCTION TO NAME, IMAGE, AND LIKENESS IN THE COLLEGE ATHLETICS ENVIRONMENT AND IMPACT OF SB206
On September 30, 2019, California became the first state to introduce and enact legislation to prohibit institutions of higher education (IHEs), amateur athletic associations and athletic conferences, and any other organization with authority over intercollegiate athletics from preventing student athletes from earning compensation in connection with the use of the athlete’s name, image, and likeness. California began what has become a nationwide conversation and initiative to address primarily National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) bylaws that have historically prohibited student athletes from using or permitting others to use their name, image, or likeness to earn compensation or to promote the athlete’s athletic skills and abilities.
NIL FRAMEWORK
AU is not permitted to be involved in the development, operation, or promotion of NIL activities; this includes, but is not limited to, coaches, staff, and independent contractors of AU.
AU Sponsors and boosters may only be involved in legitimate NIL business activities with current and prospective student-athletes when services and compensation are consistent with the services and compensation provided to other clients. Compensation may not be conditioned on athletic performance or attendance at AU.
AU, the athletics department, staff members or coaches may not compensate or arrange compensation to a current or prospective athlete for their NIL.
Existing CALPAC Bylaws and legislation related to Employment, Offers of Inducements, and Extra Benefits still apply.
All agreements for NIL activities must be disclosed to AU.
Student-athletes are required to submit all NIL activities to the Dean/ Athletic Director.
All NIL activities should be submitted to AU prior to entering into an agreement for or participating in NIL activities.
Disclosure is NOT an approval process. AU will provide an acknowledgment of receipt upon receiving a disclosure.
While AU requires disclosure, no AU employee or independent contractor may provide student-athletes legal, financial, or business advice regarding NIL activities.