The University of Mississippi Athletics
NIL FAQs for Businesses
6/30/2021 | Athletics
This Page Will Be Updated As More Questions Arise
What is Name, Image & Likeness (NIL)?
The Mississippi Intercollegiate Compensation Rights Act passed by the Mississippi State House of Representatives goes into effect on July 1, 2021. This law permits intercollegiate student-athletes enrolled at a university or college in the state to earn compensation at market value for use of their name, image and likeness (NIL) and retain an agent or advisor relating to this compensation. A college or university, athletic conference or the NCAA cannot prevent a student-athlete from earning compensation from the use of the student-athlete's name, image or likeness.
What is INFLCR?
In the summer of 2021, Ole Miss Athletics partnered with INFLCR to create Next Level, the Ole Miss all-encompassing platform for student-athletes and businesses. This platform allows student-athletes to create content and boost their social media following amongst many other informational material. It also provides the initial contact phase for businesses to discuss promotional opportunities with student-athletes in an NCAA-compliant manner. INFLCR is accessed through an application (app).
What can student-athletes do to promote my business?
NIL contract activities include appearances, autograph signings, social media promotions, advertisements or endorsements and other similar events in which a business, brand, product or service is promoted.
How do I register my business for an NIL contract with a student-athlete?
Each student-athlete is assigned a personalized link to provide to businesses once contact and interest has been established. Businesses are encouraged to download the INFLCR app and register. Visit www.inflcr.com or #INFLCR in applications. Student-athletes must report contracts through the INFLCR app before signing them. Student-athletes must also report all transactions through the INFLCR app.
When can I sign a student-athlete to a promotional contract?
Current student-athletes can sign contracts beginning July 1, 2021. Prospective student-athletes cannot be offered or sign NIL contracts prior to enrolling at the University of Mississippi (the University). Doing so would violate the Mississippi Intercollegiate Compensation Rights Act, along with NCAA rules and regulations. Doing so would be designated as an NCAA infraction.
May student-athletes have representation?
Student-athletes are permitted to retain agents or advisors for the purposes of providing counsel and assistance for NIL contracts. Agents or advisors for student-athlete NIL contracts must be registered with the Mississippi Secretary of State.
Do I negotiate directly with the student-athlete?
Student-athletes or their agents can negotiate NIL contracts with businesses. The University may not be involved in any form of brokering NIL-related contracts.
When must the University be notified of potential NIL contracts?
Student-athletes are required to provide the University a written notice at least seven (7) days prior to entering an agent or representation agreement relating to an NIL compensation opportunity. All NIL contracts must be disclosed to the University before the contract is signed and any compensation is provided. Any questions regarding NIL contracts may be sent to compliance@olemiss.edu.
May student-athletes use branded attire or material during promotional events (e.g., student-athlete filming endorsement ad while wearing Ole Miss hat)?
Per state law, student-athletes may not enter into a contract for use of their NIL that uses the licensed marks or logos of the University UNLESS the school has provided written permission in advance of signing the NIL contract.
How do I compensate a student-athlete?
Student-athletes may receive compensation in the form of money, services or goods. All compensation must be reported through the INFLCR app.
Is there a limit on what I can compensate a student-athlete for their NIL?
No, but state law requires that payment or compensation to a student-athlete for a NIL contract must be at fair market value.
May a student-athlete receive NIL compensation based on the student-athletes's athletic performance at Ole Miss?
No.
May an NIL contract stipulate that a student-athlete must compete for, or attend, Ole Miss?
No.
May I compensate a student-athlete for their NIL when the student-athlete is engaged in official team activities?
No. If a student-athlete is participating in a competition, fan event or other activity sponsored or organized by Ole Miss Athletics, the student-athlete may not be compensated for his autograph, photo or other service.
When do I compensate a student-athlete after a NIL contract has been signed?
The compensation time frame to a student-athlete for the use of their NIL is determined by the two parties to the NIL contract. All NIL contracts must be disclosed to the University before the contract is signed and before any compensation is provided.
What kinds of promotions are prohibited?
Student-athletes may not enter a NIL contract to receive compensation for the advertisement, endorsement or promotion of the following:
The University can refuse authorization for NIL contracts that conflict with state law, University policy or a University contract as well as refuse the use of University marks or logos in NIL activities.
May international student-athletes utilize NIL?
International student-athletes should NOT enter into any NIL agreements without the guidance from the University of Mississippi Office of Global Engagement to discuss and prevent any complications with student visa/immigration issues.
Who do I contact for compliance questions?
Ole Miss Athletics Compliance
compliance@olemiss.edu
(662) 915-1594
The Mississippi Intercollegiate Compensation Rights Act passed by the Mississippi State House of Representatives goes into effect on July 1, 2021. This law permits intercollegiate student-athletes enrolled at a university or college in the state to earn compensation at market value for use of their name, image and likeness (NIL) and retain an agent or advisor relating to this compensation. A college or university, athletic conference or the NCAA cannot prevent a student-athlete from earning compensation from the use of the student-athlete's name, image or likeness.
What is INFLCR?
In the summer of 2021, Ole Miss Athletics partnered with INFLCR to create Next Level, the Ole Miss all-encompassing platform for student-athletes and businesses. This platform allows student-athletes to create content and boost their social media following amongst many other informational material. It also provides the initial contact phase for businesses to discuss promotional opportunities with student-athletes in an NCAA-compliant manner. INFLCR is accessed through an application (app).
What can student-athletes do to promote my business?
NIL contract activities include appearances, autograph signings, social media promotions, advertisements or endorsements and other similar events in which a business, brand, product or service is promoted.
How do I register my business for an NIL contract with a student-athlete?
Each student-athlete is assigned a personalized link to provide to businesses once contact and interest has been established. Businesses are encouraged to download the INFLCR app and register. Visit www.inflcr.com or #INFLCR in applications. Student-athletes must report contracts through the INFLCR app before signing them. Student-athletes must also report all transactions through the INFLCR app.
When can I sign a student-athlete to a promotional contract?
Current student-athletes can sign contracts beginning July 1, 2021. Prospective student-athletes cannot be offered or sign NIL contracts prior to enrolling at the University of Mississippi (the University). Doing so would violate the Mississippi Intercollegiate Compensation Rights Act, along with NCAA rules and regulations. Doing so would be designated as an NCAA infraction.
May student-athletes have representation?
Student-athletes are permitted to retain agents or advisors for the purposes of providing counsel and assistance for NIL contracts. Agents or advisors for student-athlete NIL contracts must be registered with the Mississippi Secretary of State.
Do I negotiate directly with the student-athlete?
Student-athletes or their agents can negotiate NIL contracts with businesses. The University may not be involved in any form of brokering NIL-related contracts.
When must the University be notified of potential NIL contracts?
Student-athletes are required to provide the University a written notice at least seven (7) days prior to entering an agent or representation agreement relating to an NIL compensation opportunity. All NIL contracts must be disclosed to the University before the contract is signed and any compensation is provided. Any questions regarding NIL contracts may be sent to compliance@olemiss.edu.
May student-athletes use branded attire or material during promotional events (e.g., student-athlete filming endorsement ad while wearing Ole Miss hat)?
Per state law, student-athletes may not enter into a contract for use of their NIL that uses the licensed marks or logos of the University UNLESS the school has provided written permission in advance of signing the NIL contract.
How do I compensate a student-athlete?
Student-athletes may receive compensation in the form of money, services or goods. All compensation must be reported through the INFLCR app.
Is there a limit on what I can compensate a student-athlete for their NIL?
No, but state law requires that payment or compensation to a student-athlete for a NIL contract must be at fair market value.
May a student-athlete receive NIL compensation based on the student-athletes's athletic performance at Ole Miss?
No.
May an NIL contract stipulate that a student-athlete must compete for, or attend, Ole Miss?
No.
May I compensate a student-athlete for their NIL when the student-athlete is engaged in official team activities?
No. If a student-athlete is participating in a competition, fan event or other activity sponsored or organized by Ole Miss Athletics, the student-athlete may not be compensated for his autograph, photo or other service.
When do I compensate a student-athlete after a NIL contract has been signed?
The compensation time frame to a student-athlete for the use of their NIL is determined by the two parties to the NIL contract. All NIL contracts must be disclosed to the University before the contract is signed and before any compensation is provided.
What kinds of promotions are prohibited?
Student-athletes may not enter a NIL contract to receive compensation for the advertisement, endorsement or promotion of the following:
- Gambling
- Alcohol
- Sports Betting
- Performance Enhancing Supplements
- Adult Entertainment
- Controlled Substances
- Marijuana
- Tobacco
- Any Product Inconsistent with Values & Mission of the University or Reflects Adversely on the University or Athletics.
The University can refuse authorization for NIL contracts that conflict with state law, University policy or a University contract as well as refuse the use of University marks or logos in NIL activities.
May international student-athletes utilize NIL?
International student-athletes should NOT enter into any NIL agreements without the guidance from the University of Mississippi Office of Global Engagement to discuss and prevent any complications with student visa/immigration issues.
Who do I contact for compliance questions?
Ole Miss Athletics Compliance
compliance@olemiss.edu
(662) 915-1594
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