Name, Image & Likeness

Student-athletes may earn compensation for their name, image and likeness (NIL). Such compensation must be within fair market value.
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL), the Athletics Department, staff members or booster clubs may not compensate or arrange compensation to a current or prospective intercollegiate athlete for her or his name, image and likeness.
Compensation may not be provided in exchange for a student-athlete’s athletic performance or attendance at UL.
NIL compensation opportunities cannot conflict with official team related activities.
Student-athletes will only be allowed to use UL or UL Athletics related marks and logos, including all aspects of the uniform, if those rights have been secured through an agreement granting specified rights. Student-athletes can request sponsorship information and/or an agreement by contacting the University Office of Communications and Marketing.
Student-athletes will not be permitted to enter into NIL agreements for the endorsement of tobacco, alcohol, illegal substances or activities, banned athletic substances, or any form of gambling (including sports wagering).
The use of athletic department facilities will require approval in advance from the University Office of Facility Management.
Student-athletes must disclose any NIL agreements to the athletic compliance office prior to engaging in any NIL activities (through approval form in ARMS).
The duration of a contract for representation of student-athlete or compensation for the use of name, image and likeness may not extend beyond their participation in an athletic program at UL.
Student-athletes may secure representation (agent or lawyer), ONLY for name, image and likeness and NOT for future professional athletic contract negotiations.
An athlete agent representing a student-athlete for purposes of securing compensation for her or his name, image, likeness, or persona must be licensed in the state of Louisiana and shall be licensed to practice law.
International student-athletes should not enter into any NIL agreements without the guidance from the University Office of International Affairs to guard against any potential immigration issues.
Student athletes will receive educational programming on the topics of financial literacy, brand building, and other workshops focusing on the areas of name, image and likeness.
Pell Grant or need based financial aid could be impacted based on compensation from name, image and likeness. Those questions should be directed to the University Financial Aid Office.

May I provide name/image/likeness-compensation to a recruit (prospective student-athlete)?
No. Generally, PSAs in Louisiana participate in competition governed by state athletics associations that have amateurism rules which prohibit a PSA from using his/her NIL for compensation.

May I enter into an agreement with a Ragin' Cajuns student-athlete (i.e., SA) for the use of the SA’s name, image or likeness (i.e., NIL) in exchange for money, goods or services?
Yes, subject to restrictions in state laws, as well as potential federal laws and NCAA rules. However, before a SA enters such a contract, the SA must disclose any proposed contract the SA may sign for use of the SA’s name, image or likeness by submitting an approval form in ARMS.

Does the Louisiana NIL law mean that a booster or fan of Louisiana Athletics may provide a student-athlete (i.e., SA) with any amount of compensation at any time as long as it is in exchange for the use of the SA’s NIL?
No, there are some restrictions. Student-athletes are prohibited from receiving compensation for their NIL that is based on:

The SA’s enrollment or attendance at UL; or
The SA’s athletic performance at UL.

May Louisiana Athletics or its staff members assist me with arranging for UL SAs to utilize their NIL for compensation with my business, etc.?
Yes. UL and its staff members may facilitate or arrange for our SAs to participate in NIL contracts or activities.

May I act as a marketing agent for a SA?
Yes, you may, but any agreement with the SA must be limited to marketing. Furthermore, if you are also an athlete agent, then you must be registered as an athlete agent with the state of Louisiana and shall be licensed to practice law.

May UL’s marks, logos or other institutional property be used in a proposed NIL-contract with a Ragin' Cajuns SA (e.g., SA filming endorsement ad while wearing Ragin' Cajuns hat)?
Yes, provided the University has approved the use per licensing protocols.

May a SA receive NIL-compensation based on the SA’s athletic performance at UL?
No.

May an NIL contract stipulate that an SA must compete for, or attend, UL (or any other NCAA member school)?
No.

May I compensate a SA for the SA’s NIL when the SA is engaged in official team activities?
No. For example, if a SA is at a UL Athletics-organized fan event or at an away-from-home competition, you may not compensate the SA for the SA’s autograph or photo because the SA is engaged in official team activities. In short, if the SA is participating in some activity because UL Athletics organized it, then it’s an official team activity.

Are there any industries or products that SAs may not endorse?
Yes. Louisiana law prohibits a SA from entering a contract for the use of the SA’s name, image or likeness in exchange for an endorsement of:

Alcohol
Tobacco products
Illegal substances or activities
Banned athletic substances
Any form of gambling including sports wagering

What are other examples of when a SA may not engage in NIL-activity for compensation, according to Louisiana law or Federal law?
Other prohibited examples include compensation for SA NIL activity:

When the SA is not a US citizen and the SA’s visa generally prohibits employment
In exchange for:
- Property owned by UL (e.g., current jersey or equipment)
- An endorsement while using UL intellectual property or other UL-owned property (e.g., paying SA for photo when SA is wearing Ragin' Cajuns apparel or on campus)
That conflicts with:
- A UL contract
- A UL Athletics’ sport’s written team rules/team contract, athletics financial aid agreement or Athletics Department student-athlete rules or
- UL’s Student Code of Conduct or other student rules

How long may a SA’s NIL-related contract last?
The duration of the SA’s contract may not extend beyond the student athlete's participation in the UL intercollegiate athletics program.

Will UL assist SAs with other NIL-related issues?
Yes. UL Athletics will have a robust program to educate student-athletes on how to maximize the use of their NIL for compensation, as well as understanding associated issues (e.g., financial literacy, debt management, time management, budgeting, academic resources).

If you have specific questions, please contact Tom Burke (Associate AD/Compliance) at tburke@louisiana.edu.

HELPFUL LINKS
UL’s Student-Athlete Name, Image, Likeness Policy
NCAA NIL Resources

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