Name, Image & Likeness

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Fans, Supporters and Businesses

1. What is Name, Image & Likeness (NIL)?

Per the NCAA’s Interim NIL Policy, which took effect July 1, 2021, enrolled student-athletes are allowed to participate in activities that involve compensation for use of that student-athlete’s name, image and likeness for commercial or promotional purposes.

2. What governs NIL activities for student-athletes at the University of Wisconsin?

Beyond the general guidance of the NCAA Interim NIL Policy, UW student-athletes are subject to the university’s Temporary NIL Policy. There currently is no state law governing NIL activities for student-athletes in the state of Wisconsin.

3. What is UW doing to support its student-athletes in terms of NIL?

UW Athletics has launched YouDub, a program aimed at providing student-athletes the resources to be successful in the NIL era. The YouDub program includes partnerships with Opendorse and Altius Sports Partners, industry leaders which give UW student-athletes access to NIL-related education and support.

YouDub also incorporates the ongoing efforts and programming provided by UW’s Brand Engagement and Career & Leadership staffs to support and educate student-athletes in areas including communication skills, brand building, financial literacy and entrepreneurship.

Student-athletes also have access to free legal services and no-cost business and entrepreneurship consulting services through partnerships with experts on the UW campus.

Many UW student-athletes are accessible via YouDub Marketplace, a platform for interested businesses and individuals to connect with student-athletes, propose and develop NIL activities and deliver compensation for those activities.

4. What limitations exist on student-athletes’ NIL activities?

NCAA bylaws that cover pay-for-play and improper recruiting inducements remain in effect. With that in mind, current or prospective student-athletes may not receive compensation through NIL activities that:

  • provide compensation for work not performed
  • provide compensation in exchange for commitment or enrollment at a particular school
  • provide compensation tied to athletic performance or achievement

5. Are there limits on the types of NIL activities a student-athlete can participate in?

Generally, there are no limitations on the types of NIL activities can participate in. However, when arranging an NIL activity, keep in mind that a student-athlete is limited from participating in NIL activities that involve:

  • a sponsorship category prohibited by the university, unless prior approval is received (See UW Temporary NIL Policy, Section II, Item E)
  • a brand, product or service that conflicts with an existing team contract of the university, specifically in the categories of athletic equipment, shoes and apparel, beverages and nutrition, while representing the university or one of its teams (See UW Temporary NIL Policy, Section III, Item K)
  • activities conducted in or utilizing a university facility, without proper approval (See UW Temporary NIL Policy, Section II, Item I)
  • activities conducted during official team activities (See UW Temporary NIL Policy, Section II, Item C)

6. Can UW marks, logos, slogans/phrases or other intellectual property be used in an NIL activity?

Student-athletes may use university trademarks, logos, slogans/phrases and other intellectual property in an NIL activity provided that proper rights have been secured for the specified use via Badger Sports Properties or the UW Office of Trademark Licensing. Complete information on the use of university intellectual property and how it can be licensed for use is available from the UW Office of Trademark Licensing.

7. May UW employees assist interested parties in the arranging of NIL activities with student-athletes?

No, the university and its staff members are not permitted to assist in the development or operation of a student-athlete’s NIL activities. (See UW Temporary NIL Policy, Section III, Item F)

8. May student-athletes utilize outside representation?

Yes. Student-athletes may obtain professional representation (agent or attorney) for advice, contract representation, and marketing in NIL activities. That professional representation is not permitted to also represent the student-athlete in securing professional athletic opportunities. (See UW Temporary NIL Policy, Section III, Item M)

9. How can interested parties contact a student-athlete about potential NIL activities?

Businesses or individuals interested in potentially partnering with a student-athlete on an NIL activity are encouraged to contact that student-athlete directly. For many UW student-athletes, the most effective means of contact for potential NIL activities is YouDub Marketplace.

10. May student-athletes identify themselves as part of or in promotion of an NIL activity?

Yes. Student-athletes may identify themselves and their status a student-athlete (e.g., “This is [student-athlete name], guard for the Wisconsin basketball team” or “This is [student-athlete name] of the Wisconsin Badgers”).

11. Are boosters allowed to enter into NIL agreements with student-athletes?

Yes, provided NIL activities adhere to the UW Temporary NIL Policy and do not involve an impermissible inducement or constitute pay-for-play