General Policy
In accordance with Texas state law, University of North Texas student-athletes may earn compensation for use of their name, image or likeness when they are not engaged in official team activities, and may obtain professional representation to secure name, image and likeness opportunities. Additionally, the University of North Texas may not provide or solicit a prospective student-athlete with compensation for use of their name, image or likeness.
Official Team Activities
The University of North Texas defines “official team activities” as any activity with an athletic or academic purpose involving student-athletes and at the direction of, or supervised by, one or more of the institution’s coaching or administrative staff. Such activities include, but are not limited, to the following:
- Practices
- Competition, including travel to and from away from home contests
- Pre and postgame activities
- Mandatory class attendance
- Academic study hall
- Community service events
- Recruiting activities (including student host duties)
- Media activities (including press conferences)
- Organized team promotional events
- Compliance meetings
Disclosure
Prior to entering into an agreement for the use of their name, image or likeness, North Texas student-athletes must disclose the proposed contract or opportunity through the INFLCR platform. Reviews of name, image and likeness opportunities by the Executive Senior Associate AD/Compliance and/or the Associate AD/Compliance shall be given within five (5) business days of receipt of the disclosure form. Opportunities that exceed $5,000 shall require additional review by the Vice President/Director of Athletics. The student-athlete and/or the student-athlete’s representative shall resolve any conflicts or concerns identified within 10 days of being informed of such. Failure to resolve any issues identified may lead to eligibility consequences.
Restricted Opportunities
North Texas student-athletes may not enter into a contract or obtain an opportunity for use of their name, image and likeness if compensation is provided in exchange for their athletic performance or attendance at the university. Endorsement of the following categories, as well as any item on the NCAA Banned Substances list, is expressly prohibited:
- Alcohol;
- Tobacco products;
- E-cigarettes or any other type of nicotine delivery device;
- Anabolic steroids;
- Gambling;
- Firearms a student-athlete cannot legally purchase; and
- Sexually oriented businesses.
Additionally, student-athletes may not enter into a contract or engage in name, image and likeness activities for compensation that conflicts with a University of North Texas contract, team or athletics department rules, the student code of conduct or university rules.
Further, the duration of the contract may not extend beyond the student-athlete’s participation in the North Texas athletics program. Finally, property owned by the University of North Texas, including intellectual property, jerseys or equipment, logos and symbols, may not be used in conjunction with a student-athlete’s name, image and likeness opportunity.
Mandatory Education
The University of North Texas is committed to educating all student-athletes, coaches, staff and third parties on all matters related to name, image and likeness. In accordance with Texas state law, all first year and third year student-athletes will receive mandatory financial literacy and life skills training as a component of the life skills program. Additional training may be required at the discretion of the Executive Senior Associate AD/Compliance and Vice President/Director of Athletics. North Texas Athletics shall undergo mandatory review training on name, image and likeness matters related to conflict of interest, prohibited activities and proper disclosure for student-athletes.
Disclaimer
The University of North Texas is not responsible for any tax liabilities or other costs student-athletes incur as a result of their choice to engage in NIL activities.
The University of North Texas reserves the right to adjust these policies at any time based on institutional or NCAA policy changes or changes in applicable laws, rules or regulations. Changes will be communicated through the Athletics Compliance Office. The application of this policy in no way creates an employment relationship between the University and any student-athlete.