Beginning July 1, 2021, student-athletes are permitted to earn compensation for their name, image or likeness, known as NIL. Below is helpful information for student-athletes, supporters of Samford Athletics and employees of Samford University relative to the University's policy on NIL. Additionally, Samford and INFLCR have launched an All For Samford Exchange site on NIL, and information on that page can be found here: ALL FOR SAMFORD EXCHANGE

Information for Student-Athletes

• Employees of Samford University may not compensate or arrange any compensation deals to a current or prospective student-athlete for your name, image or likeness.
• Compensation must be commensurate with the fair market value.
• It is not permissible for compensation to be provided in exchange for athletic performance or attendance at Samford University, including via recruiting inducements.
• Compensation can come in the form of money, goods or services.
• Contracts for compensation cannot extend beyond participation as a student-athlete at Samford University.
• Opportunities cannot conflict with academic or team-related activities.
• Use of any registered marks, logos, verbiage or designs owned and protected by Samford University is not permitted unless receiving prior written permission.
• Student-athletes must utilize INFCLR Verified platform to disclose transactions and contracts.
• Student-athletes are permitted to obtain professional representation to assist with securing opportunities for compensation. Representation must be for NIL only and not for future professional contract negotiations. Representatives must either be a registered Athlete Agent in the State of Alabama, or an attorney that is a member in good standing of the Alabama State Bar.

 
FAQs for Samford Athletics Supporters and University Employees
May a booster or fan enter into an agreement with a Samford student-athlete for the use of the student-athlete's name, image or likeness in exchange for money, goods or services?
Yes, subject to the restrictions imposed by the University's NIL Policy. Before entering into such a contract, the student-athlete is required to disclose any proposed contract for use of their NIL to Samford. It is possible, and likely, that federal laws and NCAA legislation will ultimately provide a nationwide, uniform approach to NIL governance, at which point restrictions on these agreements are subject to change.

May Samford employees assist me with arranging for student-athletes to utilize their NIL for compensation with my business, etc.?
No. Samford employees may not arrange for our student-athletes to participate in NIL contracts or activities; however, you may forward information about legitimate NIL-opportunities to compliance@samford.edu, or direct them to the All For Samford Exchange. The information will be routed by Compliance to the student-athletes for their consideration.
 
What is the All For Samford Exchange?
The All For Samford Exchange (please link to the website once it is live) is a student-athlete NIL business registry, custom-designed for businesses, donors, alumni, and any other interested NIL dollars wishing to connect specifically with student-athletes at Samford University. Registered businesses can search, filter, and initiate conversations with student-athletes to discuss an NIL deal. Once the NIL deal between a registered business and student-athlete(s) is completed, the business will use the All For Samford Exchange to create a transaction that will produce a direct payment to the student-athlete (without any transaction fee) and automate a disclosure to the INFLCR Verified Compliance Ledger. The institution does not have to get involved in the deal, and all transactions within the local exchange are consolidated into one 1099 at the end of the year for easier tax reporting purposes for registered businesses and athletes.

Will Samford assist student-athletes with other NIL-related issues?
Yes. Samford will have a robust program to educate student-athletes in how to maximize the use of their NIL for compensation, as well as understanding associated issues (e.g., financial literacy, debt management, time management, budgeting, academic resources).

May a student-athlete receive NIL-compensation based on their athletic performance at Samford?
No.

How long may a student-athlete's NIL-related contract last?
The duration of the student-athlete's NIL contract may not extend beyond their participation in the Samford athletics program.

Are there limitations on the compensation or opportunities that can be provided to a student-athlete for use of their NIL?
Yes. Compensation for NIL use shall be commensurate with the fair market value. Additionally, student-athletes are not permitted to enter into an endorsement contract, or otherwise receive compensation, from any of the following categories or brands:

• A tobacco company or brand, including alternative nicotine products
• Any alcoholic beverage company or brand
• Any seller or distributor of a controlled substance, including but not limited to, marijuana
• Any adult entertainment business
• Any casino or entities that sponsor or promote gambling activities
• Any direct competitors of current Samford sponsors

Additionally, Samford may prohibit a student-athlete from receiving compensation for use of their NIL from entities or individuals that, in the reasonable and good faith judgment of Samford, negatively impacts or reflects adversely on the University and its mission.

Other examples of prohibited compensation for student-athlete NIL activity include:

• Where the student-athlete is not a United States citizen and the SA's visa generally prohibits employment
• Where Samford determines that a term of a contract for NIL compensation conflicts with a term of a contract held by Samford

 
Can Samford's marks, logos or other intellectual property be used in a proposed NIL-contract with a Samford student-athlete (e.g., SA filming advertisement while wearing Samford hat or jersey)?
Not without prior written consent. The Samford University Trademark and Licensing Office prohibits the use of Samford's marks while benefitting commercially without prior licensing approval. For further licensing questions, click here.

May a booster, fan or Samford employee provide NIL-compensation to a prospective student-athlete?
Yes, but with restrictions. NCAA legislation prevents the use of compensation for NIL as an inducement to attend or enroll in or continue attending a specific postsecondary institution. Generally, PSAs participate in competition governed by state athletics associations that have amateurism rules which prohibit a PSA from using his/her NIL for compensation.

May a contract for NIL compensation stipulate that a student-athlete must compete for, or attend, Samford (or any other NCAA member school)?
No.

If you have specific questions, please contact us at compliance@samford.edu