Kansas State University Athletics

Student-Athlete NIL Info

1. GENERAL POLICY

Student-athletes at Kansas State University may earn compensation from the use of their name, image, or likeness (“NIL”) so long as such activities comply with this policy and do not exceed market value for the activity.  
 
Kansas State student-athletes may not earn NIL related compensation provided in exchange for, or conditioned upon, their athletic performance or attendance at the University.
 
International student-athletes may obtain guidance from the University’s International Student Center to ensure there are no potential immigration issues should they engage in NIL activities for compensation.
 
Student-athletes that receive need-based financial aid, including Pell Grants or loans, should be aware their eligibility for such aid may be affected by compensation received from NIL activities.  Student-athletes with questions regarding the impact of NIL activities on non-athletic financial aid may consult with the University’s Office of Student Financial Assistance.
 
Examples of how student-athletes may use their NIL (not an exhaustive list): 
  • Promote their own business 
  • Promote a corporate entity (e.g., brand ambassador, social media influencer) 
  • Establish their own camp or clinic 
  • Make an appearance at a location and receive compensation 
  • Sign autographs and receive compensation 

2. CONFLICTS

Student-athletes may not enter into a contract or other agreement with a third-party for NIL compensation if the NIL activity:
  • includes any Kansas State University or K-State Athletics logos or trademarks without having received prior written approval for use.
  • is conducted in any K-State Athletics facilities unless the facilities have been rented in the same manner as made available to the general public.
  • involves a commercial product or service that conflicts with NCAA, University, and/or K-State Athletics policy, including but not limited to:
    • Adult entertainment and/or pornography
    • Alcohol
    • Alternative or electronic nicotine product or delivery systems
    • Bars and nightclubs
    • Cannabis-related enterprises including dispensaries, grow suppliers, seed companies, etc.
    • Drug and/or alcohol paraphernalia 
    • Casinos or other Gambling Services
    • Performance enhancing drugs
    • Recreational drugs
    • Sports Wagering
    • Tobacco and/or tobacco alternatives
    • Weapons
  • violates the Kansas State University Student Code of Conduct.
  • conflicts with the Student-Athlete Responsibility Statement contained in the Student-Athlete Handbook.
  • violates the Student-Athlete Code of Conduct contained in the Student-Athlete Handbook.
  • will interfere with class attendance or academic services. Kansas State University and K-State Student-Athlete Services policies for unexcused absences will apply.
  • conflicts with team activities.  Team activities include practices, competitions and other athletics department sponsored events including but not limited to fan days, Conference media days and other media opportunities.  Head coaches may include additional team activity restrictions into their team rules.
  • Involves selling awards, apparel, or equipment provided to them by the University or Athletic Department.
  • discredits the University or the Athletics Department or causes harm to its public reputation. 

3. PROFESSIONAL SERVICE PROVIDERS/AGENTS

Student-athletes may secure representation from a professional service provider, such as an agent or lawyer, for NIL activities. Professional service providers cannot be employees of K-State Athletics, and must be registered with the Kansas Secretary of State as athlete agents as required by K.S.A. 44-1519 et seq..  Student-athletes are not permitted to secure representation for future professional athletic contract negotiations, as doing so may render them ineligible for NCAA competition.  

4. DISCLOSURE

Student-athletes must disclose each agreement or NIL activity to the Compliance office using the NIL Disclosure form available in ARMS.  In addition, student-athletes must disclose any agreement for representation (e.g. with an agent, lawyer, etc.) in assisting them in securing NIL opportunities.  Disclosure must occur within 3 days after the agreement entering into the contract.  

5. EDUCATION

Kansas State University and K-State Athletics, Inc. are committed to providing education to student-athletes, staff, and third parties related to NIL activities.  Education may include: financial literacy and debt management, time management, budgeting, brand building, prohibited activities, disclosure requirements, etc. 

6. POLICY ADHERENCE

Student-athletes that do not comply with this Policy may face NCAA eligibility issues if their activity is determined to be an extra benefit, inducement or is otherwise in violation of NCAA bylaws.  In addition, student-athletes are subject to discipline at the discretion of the Athletics Director including scholarship reductions and/or cancellation. 

7. CHANGES TO POLICY

This policy is subject to revision without prior notice at the sole discretion of the University and Athletic Department. Student-athletes will be notified via Teamworks when a policy revision occurs.

The K-State Athletics NIL policy prohibits activities related to commercial products or services in:

  • Adult entertainment and/or pornography
  • Alcohol
  • Alternative or electronic nicotine product or delivery systems
  • Bars and nightclubs
  • Cannabis-related enterprises including dispensaries, grow suppliers, seed companies, etc.
  • Drug and/or alcohol paraphernalia
  • Casinos or other Gambling Services
  • Performance enhancing drugs
  • Recreational drugs
  • Sports Wagering
  • Tobacco and/or tobacco alternatives
  • Weapons

Yes. The K-State Athletics policy, as do most state laws and University policies, requires student-athletes to disclose information related to their NIL activities. Student-athletes can complete the disclosure form in the ARMS software.

There is no specific limitation on earnings. However, individual NIL deals should be for market value. In addition, student-athletes should ensure they understand how NIL earnings may affect their federal financial aid (e.g. Pell Grant, loans, etc.) office prior to engaging in NIL activities. Also, international student-athletes should ensure engaging in NIL activities will not affect their visa status.

Yes. Student-athletes may use an agent for NIL purposes. However, NCAA rules still prohibit student-athletes from having agents to market their athletics ability to professional teams. In addition, the K-State Athletics policy requires agents be registered with the state of Kansas in accordance with its athlete agent law.

Student-athletes interested in using K-State Athletics facilities for NIL activities must go through the facility rental process.

Yes. The K-State Athletics NIL policy does not outright prohibit the use of logos or trademarks in conjunction with NIL activities. However, preapproval is necessary and rights to those logos or trademarks may need to be obtained through proper channels prior to use.