UNIVERSITY NIL POLICY
Introduction
Georgetown University supports student-athletes receiving compensation for the use of their name, image, and likeness (NIL) from sources outside the University in accordance with this Policy, and is committed to providing educational programming and helping to protect student-athlete eligibility. Given the fluid nature of the NIL industry nationwide and possibility of future changes to NCAA policy and the adoption of applicable federal and/or local laws, Georgetown may revise this policy at any time.
Student-Athletes’ NIL Rights
Georgetown student-athletes are permitted to use their NIL rights in connection with commercial activities, subject to the limitations set forth in this Policy. These NIL activities may include, but are not limited to, receiving compensation or other benefits for:
- Commercials or other advertisements for products or services
- Developing and owning a personal business
- Personal appearances
- Running or participating in a camp or clinic that is promoted or otherwise branded with NIL
- Providing lessons while using NIL
- Sponsored social media posts
- Autograph sessions for the public or privately arranged events
Student-athletes may not participate in NIL activities that could harm the University’s reputation or would be inconsistent with Georgetown’s Catholic and Jesuit identity, including, but not limited to, the promotion of products or services associated with gambling, firearms, adult entertainment, tobacco, and banned substances.
Georgetown University is not responsible for providing or procuring NIL opportunities for any student-athlete.
Student-athletes may use outside advisors in connection with their NIL activities, but should be aware that the D.C. Uniform Athlete Agents Act of 2002 requires that any agent who is authorized to negotiate or solicit endorsement contracts on a student-athlete’s behalf must be a registered agent with the D.C. Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs.
Compensation or other benefits received by student-athletes in connection with their NIL activities may be considered income for federal and state tax purposes. The extent of the resulting tax obligations, if any, will depend on individual circumstances and may necessitate consultation with a tax professional, which is the responsibility of the student-athlete. Georgetown does not provide any individual tax guidance to its student-athletes, and is not responsible for any tax liabilities or other costs student-athletes incur as a result of their NIL activities.
Georgetown will not alter a student-athlete’s athletics aid on the basis of that student-athlete’s NIL activities. However, eligibility to receive Federal Pell Grants and/or need-based institutional financial aid could be impacted by NIL compensation generated by a student-athlete. Questions on how NIL income may impact an individual student-athlete’s financial aid eligibility should be directed to Georgetown’s Office of Student Financial Services.
International student-athletes should consult with Georgetown’s Office of Global Services prior to entering into any agreements to protect against potential visa or immigration issues.
Continued Student-Athlete Compliance Obligations
A student-athletes involvement in NIL activities will not excuse that student-athlete from the obligation to comply with: all NCAA and Georgetown University academic standards, requirements, regulations, policies, and obligations; team rules of conduct; University standards and policies regarding participation in intercollegiate athletics; or the Georgetown University Code of Conduct.
NCAA prohibitions on “pay-for-play” arrangements remain in effect, and therefore student-athletes are prohibited from receiving compensation which is conditioned or contingent on enrolling at any specific collegiate institution, or on any specific athletic performance or achievement.
Disclosure and University Review
Student-athletes must disclose any potential NIL activity to the University at least 10 days prior to engaging in the opportunity so that the University can ensure the activity does not conflict with this Policy, other University, Department of Athletics, or NCAA policies or rules, or any existing commercial relationships of the University.
If the University identifies any such conflict, the University will inform the student-athlete in writing. It will then be the responsibility of the student-athlete to revise the opportunity and provide a new proposal to the University. The revised proposal will be subject to this same review process as if it were a new proposal. If a student-athlete engages in any conduct that the University identifies as inconsistent with this Policy, the student-athlete will be in violation of this Policy.
A student-athlete may appeal a University determination that their proposed NIL activity could harm the University’s reputation or would be inconsistent with Georgetown’s Catholic and Jesuit identity by submitting an appeal in writing to the Athletics Department through athleticscompliance@georgetown.edu 7 days following such notification from the University. Appeals will be considered by the University’s Office of Public Affairs.
Disclosures are to be made through the INFLCR platform, and must provide a description of the activity, the parties involved, the value and nature of any compensation provided to the student-athlete, and a written copy of the proposal.
Use of University Trademarks, Property and Resources
As a general rule, the University does not allow its logos or other trademarks to be associated with third-party businesses not specifically endorsed or approved by the University due to the potential liabilities associated with the unsupervised use of those marks. Therefore, student-athletes, like all students and staff of Georgetown University, may not use the University name, trademarks, service marks, logos, symbols, or any other intellectual property, whether registered or not, without express written approval from the University. This prohibition includes the use of University-issued team apparel and equipment that depict or otherwise include any of the foregoing.
Students may not use the University’s campus, buildings or other facilities in connection with their NIL activities without the prior written approval of the University.
Student-athletes may not participate in NIL activities during class or during any organized team activities, such as team travel, workouts, or competition.
Student-athletes are not permitted to sell University awards, apparel, equipment or other items provided to them by the University while they are enrolled at the University.
Policy Enforcement
Failure to comply with this Policy may result in student-athlete discipline, up to and including dismissal from their team and a revocation of athletics aid.
Student-athletes can email athleticscompliance@georgetown.edu with any questions related to this Policy.
To lean more, visit https://guhoyas.com/feature/blueprint.