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Name, Image and Likeness

Interim NIL Policy  |   Timeline  |  News  |  Statements | Historic Resources 

The NCAA is committed to allow name, image and likeness opportunities for student-athletes consistent with the college athlete model.

The college athlete model is not the professional model, meaning students will compete against other students, not professionals or employees.

The NCAA is best positioned to provide a uniform and fair name, image and likeness approach for all student-athletes on a national scale.

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Name, Image and Likeness Interim Policy

NCAA college athletes now have the opportunity to benefit from their name, image and likeness. All three divisions have adopted a uniform, interim policy suspending NCAA name, image and likeness rules for all incoming and current student-athletes in all sports.

The policy provides the following guidance to member schools, college athletes and their families:

  • Individuals can engage in NIL activities that are consistent with the law of the state where the school is located. Colleges and universities may be a resource for state law questions.
  • Individuals can use a professional services provider for NIL activities.
  • College athletes who attend a school in a state without an NIL law can engage in NIL activity without violating NCAA rules related to name, image and likeness.
  • State law and schools/conferences may impose reporting requirements.

TIMELINE

Member schools in each division will continue to examine the issue, provide feedback and prepare for future rules changes.

  • Oct. 26, 2022

    DI Board of Directors issues clarification on the role schools can play in name, image and likeness space.

  • May 9, 2022

    DI Board of Directors issues name, image and likeness guidance to schools reinforcing the prohibition of recruiting inducements.

  • June 30, 2021

    All three divisions adopt a uniform, interim policy suspending NCAA name, image and likeness rules for all incoming and current student-athletes. The temporary policy will remain in place until federal legislation or new NCAA rules are adopted.

  • April 2021

    Each division discusses future action on proposed name, image and likeness rules. The Board of Governors reaffirms its commitment to updating rules.

  • Jan. 11-15, 2021

    Board of Governors supports decisions by each division to delay votes on new name, image and likeness legislation pending future discussions with the U.S. Department of Justice, which had stated its interest in future changes.

  • Jan. 11-15, 2021

    Board of Governors supports decisions by each division to delay votes on new name, image and likeness legislation pending future discussions with the U.S. Department of Justice, which had stated its interest in future changes.

  • Nov. 1, 2020

    Each division drafts legislation to update NIL rules.

  • Sept. 1, 2020

    Each division develops initial legislative proposals.

  • Spring/summer 2020

    Continued discussion and feedback in each division.

  • April 28-29, 2020

    Updates to divisional presidential committees and the Federal and State Legislation Working Group reports to Board of Governors during NCAA governance meetings.

  • Jan. 22-25, 2020

    Status update and discussion of general concepts during division-specific delegate sessions at the NCAA Convention.

  • Oct. 29, 2019

    Board of Governors directs divisions to create flexibility in name, image and likeness rules.