About
THE BULLDOG ADVANTAGE:
BULLDOG ADVANTAGE will empower all UMD student-athletes, providing them with the necessary tools to engage in NIL opportunities while educating them along the way. The program will facilitate educational programming, including courses on branding, social media usage, entrepreneurship, networking, and finance. UMD Athletics will continue to adapt and expand this program for the benefit of Bulldog student-athletes during their time at UMD, for their endeavors and careers inside or outside of athletics, and beyond.
Beginning July 1, 2021, student-athletes are permitted to earn compensation for their name, image or likeness.
What is NIL? NIL is your individual and personal Name, Image and Likeness. Under revised NCAA regulations, student athletes can now benefit from, and be compensated for, the use of their NIL
.
On July 1st the NCAA introduced NIL for all Divisions and provided the following guidance to college athletes, recruits, their families and member schools:
- 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.
- College athletes who attend a school in a state without an NIL law can engage in this type of activity without violating NCAA rules related to name, image and likeness.
- Individuals can use a professional services provider for NIL activities.
- Student-athletes should report NIL activities consistent with state law or school and/or conference requirements.
For Bulldog student-athletes interested in pursuing NIL activities or questions please contact:
Abbey Strong
Assistant Athletic Director of Compliance & Camps
alstrong@d.umn.edu
218-726-8720
For outside organizations with questions on the Bulldog Advantage program please contact:
champ@d.umn.edu
FAQs:
May a booster or fan enter into an agreement with a UMD student-athlete for the use of their name, image, or likeness in exchange for money, goods or services?
Yes. Before entering such a contract, the student-athlete is required to disclose any proposed contract for use of their NIL to UMD through the Bulldog Advantage program. It is possible, and likely, that federal laws and NCAA legislation will ultimately provide a nationwide, uniform approach to NIL governance, at which point restrictions on these agreements are subject to change.
May UMD employees assist me with arranging for student-athletes to utilize their NIL for compensation with my business, etc.?
No UMD employee may not arrange for Bulldog student-athletes to participate in NIL contracts or activities.
Will UMD assist student-athletes in NIL?
Yes. Through the Bulldog Advantage platform, UMD will educate student-athletes and provide a disclosure method for NCAA compliance purposes.
May a student-athlete receive NIL compensation based on their athletic performance?
No.
May a booster or fan compensate a student-athlete for their NIL when they are engaged in official team activities?
No. For example, if a student-athlete is at a community event that has been organized by UMD Athletics, or at an away-from-home competition, you may not compensate them.
Are there limitations on the compensation or opportunities that can be provided to a student-athlete for use of their NIL?
Yes. Compensation for NIL use shall be commensurate with the fair market value. Additionally, student-athletes are not permitted to enter into an endorsement contract, or otherwise receive compensation, from any categories or brands that the University prohibits or that would violate a University contract.
Can UMD's marks, logos or other intellectual property be used in a proposed NIL contract with a student-athlete (e.g., filming endorsement ad while wearing UMD hat or jersey)?
No. Student-athletes may not use any registered or licensed marks, logos, verbiage, or designs of UMD without prior written consent.
For more questions or inquiries on UMD's Name, Image, or Likeness policy please email champ@d.umn.edu.
First educational videos on NIL now available
The national office earlier today released four educational videos covering topics related to student-athlete name, image and likeness. These are the first in a series of videos being created to support the ongoing collaboration between student-athletes and college and campus leaders. Click the links below to view the videos and visit
ncaa.org/nil for more NIL resources.
