UConn NIL Procedures Distance School From Athletes' Deals

As the NCAA’s name, image and likeness era continues, University of Connecticut athletes will be prohibited from signing deals with companies that are in competition with school sponsors.

UConn released its student-athlete name, image and likeness procedures on Tuesday, starting with, “Student-athletes enrolled at the University may use their name, image, and likeness (NIL) to earn compensation through an endorsement contract or employment in an activity that is unrelated to any intercollegiate athletic program and obtain the legal or professional representation of an attorney or sports agent through a written agreement, provided such student-athlete complies with the University Policy of Student Athlete’s Name, Image, and Likeness (the ‘NIL Policy’), these procedures, and applicable law. No prospective student-athlete may receive compensation as an inducement to enroll or attend the University.”

The document includes a “Conflict with Institutional Sponsors” bullet point that reads, “No endorsement activities may conflict with the provisions of any agreement to which the University is a party.”

UConn’s athletes will have several more constraints placed on them by the university, including being prohibited from “using or consenting to the use of any University marks or phrases when performing any services or activity associated with an endorsement contract or employment activity. Marks also include wearing apparel that contains the institution’s name, logo, or unique colors.”

UConn Huskies are also prohibited from signing deals that interfere with academic obligations or official team activities; or working with companies that sell tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, adult entertainment, gambling or any other controlled substance.

The athletes can only use crowd-funding platforms if they are “soliciting funds for use of NIL in regards to fundraising activities for a nonprofit/charitable or education organization; and soliciting funds for actual and necessary expenses for outside competition.”

Athletic boosters and university employers are not allowed to create or facilitate compensation opportunities for current or prospective UConn student-athletes.

The NIL world is coming together quickly, as athletes and companies have been seeking opportunities since the NCAA began allowing athletes to profit from their name, image and likeness on July 1.

Related content: NCAA Officially Adopts Interim NIL Policy

To help navigate the NIL waters, UConn has partnered with Opendorse to help athletes build a brand and protect themselves. All UConn athletes must disclose their endorsement deals to Opendorse.

“You know all these people that were up in arms about, ‘Make sure players can get paid,’ that’s all well and good, that’s great,” UConn women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma said, according to The Associated Press. “But don’t be complaining when your favorite team falls apart because five guys are transferring, because they don’t like the fact that five other guys are getting a lot of money.”

Related content: Athletes Ink First Endorsement Deals in NCAA History