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 that 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
NIL deals must be for a valid business purpose. A valid business purpose means deal must demonstrate a legitimate commercial rationale including evidence of using the student-athlete’s NIL to promote a good or service being offered to the public for profit. Further, NIL deals must be within the Range of Compensation as determined by NIL Go, which is the platform used by the College Sports Commission to determine the validity of NIL deals.
DISCLOSURE
Student athletes must disclose NIL deals valued at $600 or more (cash or product in-kind) through NIL Go. To disclose a deal, simply go to nilgo.com and fill out the disclosure form. Deals should be reported within five (5) days of the agreement and prior to compensation being received. Multiple deals with the same business that total $600 would need to be disclosed through NIL Go. Student-athletes should disclose NIL deals valued at less than $600 on the Influencer App in Teamworks. Similarly, these deals should be reported within five (5) days of agreement.
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 products 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
- Nutritional supplements
- 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 in 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
USE OF LOGOS AND MARKS
Student-athletes may not enter into a contract or other agreement with a third-party for NIL compensation if the NIL activity that includes any Kansas State University or K-State Athletic logos or trademarks without receiving prior written permission.
- This includes, but not limited to pictures, videos, graphics, apparel, identifying titles (i.e. Joe Smith, K-State Football Player)
- Consideration will be made for official corporate partners of K-State Athletics through our multi-media rights holder, LEARFIELD.
- Video or images of Student athletes in official team uniform, practice gear or replica jerseys with K-State affiliated marks is strictly prohibited without written permission.
USE OF FACILITIES
Student athletes may not enter into a contract or other agreement with a third-party for NIL compensation if the NIL activity that includes use of Kansas State University or K-State Athletic facilities without receiving prior written permission.
- This includes, but is not limited to, pictures and videos previously recorded (game action, practice film) or scheduled photo/video shoots.
- Consideration will be made for official corporate partners of K-State Athletics through our multi-media rights holder, LEARFIELD.
SALES OF LICENSED GOODS
Student athletes may not enter into a contract or other agreement with a third-party for NIL compensation for sales of merchandise of any kind that includes use of Kansas State University or K-State Athletics logos or trademarks or any that are confusingly similar, without the vendor gaining prior approval and license granted by the Office of Licensing. Items sold where there is an intent to draw to a consumer’s mind, or capitalize on, K-State's name, logos, or reputation, must be licensed, approved and are subject to the licensing royalty in effect at that time.
K-STATE CONTACTS
Questions on Policy, Disclosure, Conflicts, Professional Service Providers/Agents, Education:
- Julie Owen, Executive Director of Cap Management and Revenue Sharing - jowen@kstatespors.com
- Questions on use of Logo/Marks and Use of Facilities: Brett Foltz, Associate Athletic Director for Development - bfoltz@kstatesports.com
- Questions on Sales of Licensed Good: Tami Breymeyer, Director of Licensing - tbreymeyer@kstatesports.com
Please direct all other inquiries HERE
