Aurora University Athletics

In conjunction with the NCAA policy and Illinois State Law, Aurora University supports student-athletes receiving compensation for the use of their name, image and likeness (NIL) from sources outside the University in accordance with the guidelines outlined below. AU will be partnering with NOCAP Sports to provide student-athletes with personalized platforms, financial training, educational and engagement opportunities on what is allowed within the guidelines from the state, university, and NCAA. This innovative platform will help bridge the gap between athletes, agents, brands and fans. 


NOCAP Mission Statement - “NOCAP’s mission is to give every athlete regardless of school, sport, level or background, equal access to the best technology and resources to maximize their name, image and likeness.”

Failure to comply with this policy may result in penalties imposed by NCAA or AU that can impact the student-athlete’s ability to continue participating in intercollegiate athletics.

General Provisions:
Student-athletes’ use and monetization of their name, image and likeness may involve a wide range of activities including but not limited to:

• Traditional commercials or advertisements for products or services
• Student-athletes developing and promoting their own business
• Personal appearances
• Student-athletes running their own camps or clinics
• Providing private lessons (and using their name or image to promote those lessons)
• Sponsored social media posts
• Autograph sessions

There are no limits on the amount of income a student-athlete may earn through name, image and likeness activities provided any compensation is for work actually performed.

Prohibited NIL Activities: 

• Pay-for-Play/Recruiting Inducements:  Student-athletes may not receive any compensation under conditions or contingent upon enrolling at AU, continuing at AU, or based on athletic performance, recognition, or achievement.
• Institutional/Booster Involvement:  AU may not create or arrange for NIL opportunities for its student-athletes. 
• Conflicting Agreements:  Student-athletes may not enter into an agreement with a third-party that conflicts with an existing AU sponsorship without permission from AU. 
• Types of Promotions:  Illinois state law prohibits student-athletes from engaging in any NIL activities that promote or endorse tobacco, alcohol, illegal substances, controlled substances, cannabis, alternative or electronic nicotine products or delivery system, performance-enhancing supplements, gambling, sports betting, adult entertainment, or any other product or service that is considered inconsistent with the mission of AU or negatively impacts or reflects adversely on AU and/or its athletic programs.
• Use of Facilities:  Student-athletes may not use institutional facilities for any NIL activities. 
• Use of AU Logos:  Student-athletes may use AU logos if prior approval is received. The student-athlete must observe the designated protocol available for all vendors making this request. The AU Athletic Communication Department oversees this process as they reserve the right to deny any request that does not align with AU Athletics mission and core values. Inquiries for approval should be sent to bkipley@aurora.edu.
• Length of Contract:  A contract for the use of a student-athlete’s NIL cannot commence until the student-athlete has begun enrollment and may not extend beyond the exhaustion of eligibility in their sport at AU.
• Timing of Promotions:  Student-athletes may not miss class time, academic obligations, or team required activities for any NIL activities.
• Restrictions: The AU Athletic Department discourages student-athletes from participating in activities that do not align with AU’s mission and core values, as well as NCAA bylaws. Examples include: drug dispensaries, adult establishments, alcohol endorsements and/or sports wagering.

Additional Considerations:

• International student-athletes should seek guidance on and understand the impact, if any,of NIL activity on their Visa status.
• NIL activity compensation is typically considered taxable income.  As such, student-athletes should consult with an appropriate tax professional about the implications of compensation earned.  Additionally, any income changes for a student-athlete can affect their eligibility for need-based financial aid, both federally and institutionally granted.

Please Note:

• Student-athletes must disclose any name, image and likeness activities at least seven (7) calendar days prior to entering into an agreement for the proposed activity.

Professional Advisors:
Student-athletes may retain and use the services of professional advisors to assist them in their name, image and likeness activities, such as marketing agents, tax advisors, legal advisors, etc. Student-athletes must pay the normal costs and fees associated with such services.

Aurora University shall not provide such services nor be responsible for any costs associated with such services, except those services available to all students at the institution which student-athletes are eligible to use in the same manner as any other student.

AURORA UNIVERSITY NIL DISCLOSURE FORM (Click on the link to download and fill out the disclosure form)