Name, Image and Likeness at the University of Michigan
• Complete U-M NIL Policy (PDF)
• VICTORS Local Exchange
The University of Michigan supports student-athletes receiving compensation for the use of their name, image and likeness (“NIL”) from sources outside the University consistent with the state law of Michigan, NCAA rules, and institutional policy.
NIL is an evolving area and the following information will be subject to ongoing review and revision as circumstances, laws and regulations change. Student-Athletes and those connected with U-M Athletics should refer back to this page frequently for the most up-to-date information. A link to U-M's complete NIL Policy is available for download at the top of this webpage. Highlights of the policy are provided below.
General Provisions
Student-athletes' use and monetization of their NIL 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 NIL activities provided any compensation is for work or services actually performed.
- Student-athletes should be aware that their NIL Income, which may include Michigan Athlete License Agreements also known as Revenue Share Payments, will likely be considered taxable Income. Student-athletes should consult with an appropriate tax professional about the tax implications of any Compensation they earn.
- International student-athletes should confer with the International Center to understand what their visa permits in this area.
A student-athlete's involvement in NIL activities will not relieve the student-athlete from the obligation to comply with all NCAA, University and Michigan Athletics academic standards, requirements, regulations or obligations; team rules of conduct or other applicable rules of conduct; standards or policies regarding participation in intercollegiate athletics; or disciplinary rules and standards generally applicable to University of Michigan students.
A student-athlete's participation in NIL opportunities shall not be a basis to reduce or cancel the student-athlete's athletics aid. However, consistent with federal and institutional financial aid regulations and policies, any Income earned from NIL activities may impact the student-athlete's eligibility for need-based financial aid.
Disclosure and Review
Disclosures of deals and compensation $600 or more in aggregate value must be submitted through NILGo within five business days of execution of a noninstitutional NIL contract or student-athlete agreement to payment terms.
Role of the University
The University of Michigan is not responsible for any tax liabilities or other costs student-athletes incur as a result of their choice to engage in NIL activities. In addition to educational opportunities, the University of Michigan may provide assistance and resources (e.g. equipment, staff, services, etc.) as permitted under NCAA rules to student-athletes who elect to disclose NIL activities.
Student-athletes and third parties, like all students and staff of the University, may not use the University facilities, name, trademarks, service marks, logos, symbols, or any other intellectual property, whether registered or not, without appropriate licensing approval.
University Resources and Reputation
Those who have chosen to be a student-athlete have chosen to act as public representatives of the University and may not engage in NIL activities that may harm the reputation of the institution. This may include but is not limited to: promoting products or services such as gambling, adult entertainment, tobacco, or banned substances.
Student-athletes may not engage in any NIL opportunities for compensation during any organized team activities (e.g. practice, competition, team travel, team-organized media appearances, team or university promotional events, etc).
Student-athletes are not permitted to sell or trade any equipment, apparel, awards or complimentary admissions provided to them by the Michigan Athletic Department as part of any NIL activities.
Professional Advisors
Student-athletes may retain and use the services of professional advisors to assist them in their NIL activities, such as marketing agents, tax advisors, legal advisors, etc. Student-athletes must pay the same costs and fees charged by the provider to other clients receiving similar services.
- Please Note: Student-athletes may not employ an agent for the purpose of negotiating with professional athletic teams or organizations without jeopardizing their collegiate athletics eligibility.
- Please Note: Michigan student-athletes must complete the University’s representative authorization form in Teamworks before the university staff can discuss the student-athlete’s NIL deals with any advisors, agents, or marketing representatives.
Third Parties and Collectives
The NCAA has determined that Collectives and any third-party individual or entity that is involved in promoting and supporting a specific NCAA institution by making available NIL opportunities to student-athletes of a particular institution, triggers the definition of a Representative of Athletics Interest (donor/booster). NCAA rules prevent Michigan and/or its staff from organizing, facilitating, and/or arranging a meeting between a Representative of Athletics Interest or Collective and a prospective student-athlete.
However, a prospective student-athlete may make their own arrangements to meet with a Collective without assistance from Michigan staff, provided that the Collective only engages in conversations about legitimate NIL business opportunities and does not have general recruiting conversations with the prospective student-athlete or their family members.
When it comes to currently enrolled student-athletes, Michigan staff may organize, facilitate, or arrange meetings with donors or collectives to discuss legitimate business and NIL opportunities with student-athletes, in accordance with this policy and all applicable rules.
Violations of NCAA rules by a donor, NIL Collective, or third-party group may result in loss of eligibility, suspension, forfeiture of contests, fines, and other adverse actions against Michigan student-athletes and athletic programs. As such, violations may result in a decision to disassociate the NIL Collective and the involved individuals from Michigan.
Michigan NIL Contact
Danielle Davison, Assistant Athletic Director for NIL
Last Updated: 9/22/2025
