Duke University Blue Devils

As of July 1, 2021, NCAA rules allow a student-athlete to receive compensation for use of their Name, Image and Likeness (NIL). NIL activity is any activity in which a prospective student-athlete or current student-athlete’s name, image, likeness or personal appearance is used for promotional purposes by a non-institutional entity, including a commercial entity, a non-institutional nonprofit, or a charitable entity. Such use may be compensated (e.g., cash, product or other benefit) or uncompensated.

A Duke student-athlete may obtain professional representation by an athlete agent, attorney, or financial advisor who is engaged by the student-athlete for the purpose of securing payments for the use of the student-athlete’s NIL, or otherwise advising the student-athlete concerning NIL. Any such agent, attorney, or financial advisor must be registered with Duke University (PDF), and, to the extent required by North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 78, by the state of North Carolina. Representatives must also comply with the federal Sports Agent Responsibility and Trust Act, as applicable.

All representation must be disclosed by student-athletes to Duke University through the “NIL Agent Disclosure” form via ARMS.

All NIL activities must be disclosed in a timely manner to the Duke Compliance office via the INFLCR app.

As of July 1, 2021, Duke student-athletes can:

• Be a social media influencer, meaning they can be compensated for social media posting/activity
• Make personal appearances to promote commercial products or services
• Appear in print or television advertisements for commercial products or services
• Obtain professional representation by an athlete agent, attorney, or financial advisor who is engaged by the student-athlete for the purpose of securing payments for the use of the athlete’s NIL or advising the student-athlete concerning NIL.

While student-athletes can make money off their NIL, NCAA recruiting and extra benefit rules still apply. Student-athletes cannot:

• Have an agreement without quid pro quo.
• Be compensated contingent upon a specific athletic performance or achievement (e.g., pay-for-play).
• Be provided or offered compensation contingent on initial or continued enrollment at Duke.
• Engage in any NIL activity that promotes products or services related to gambling or NCAA’s banned substances (PDF).
• Engage in any NIL activities during any department or team related activities such as practice, competition, team meals, etc.
• Use the name, symbols, logos, trademarks, facilities, and images associated with Duke University without prior approval in accordance with the Duke Trademark Licensing policy (see institutional marks information below).

You can find Duke's NIL policy here (PDF).

Duke Athletics, in partnership with Altius Sports Partners and INFLCR, is providing its student-athletes with ongoing education and resources to assist in capitalizing on NIL opportunities. Other resources are available through the NCAA here.

For more information about the use of a Duke facility, please contact robert.weiseman@duke.edu. Include information about your request, including: which facility you would like to use, the date, the length of time, a summary of the event, the age of participants (if applicable), and, for camps or lessons, whether you have insurance. Please remember that videos and photo shoots for NIL purposes may not take place on campus without Duke University approval.

Student-athletes may request use of name, symbols, logos, trademarks, facilities, and images associated with Duke University by completing the “NIL - Duke Licensing Request” form via ARMS. Marks/logos can only be used with permission by Duke University. More information on the Duke Trademark Licensing policy is available here.

Student-athletes may autograph and sell items they have purchased. In accordance with NCAA Bylaw 16.11.2.4 (Items Received for Participation in Intercollegiate Athletics), an item received for participation in intercollegiate athletics may not be sold or exchanged or assigned for another item of value.

International student-athletes may be restricted from earning compensation for NIL activities by their student visa requirements. To avoid potential immigration issues, international student-athletes are encouraged to contact Duke Visa Services.

Student-athletes may not be involved in NIL activities that promote products or services related to gambling or NCAA banned substances (PDF).