University of Maine Athletics

Per NCAA requirements, student-athletes must disclose all NIL deals at a value of $600 or more to the NIL clearing house known as NIL Go (https://nilgo.com/). When considering the value of the NIL deals, this includes but is not limited to cash & direct payments, goods & services, and merchandise. Failure to disclose may result in being ineligible for practice and competition. 
NIL GO Deal Entry Tips:

1. Upload a clear and readable copy of your contract or deal terms (must be full copy of the contract).
2. Accurately enter your compensation. This includes direct payments as well as goods and services. Please make sure the compensation entered matches the amount in your contract.
3. Carefully check that you have entered the correct number and type of obligations. For example, five Instagram or TikTok posts = five social media posts or one post on X a week for a year = 52 social media posts.

Any deal that are less than a $600 value should be disclosed via ARMS in the Name, Image & Likeness approval workflow.

Taxes: If you are engaging in NIL deals, please remember to consult with a licensed CPA (accountant) when filing taxes to make sure you're including necessary NIL income.

Examples of permissible NIL activity include, but are not limited to:

• Social media endorsements
• Public appearances & autographs
• Endorsing commercial products and services
• Licensed merchandise
• Local business advertisements

Student-athletes are encouraged to utilize the NCAA NIL ASSIST EDUCATION portal to learn more about entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and personal brand management.

UMaine reserves the right to adjust these policies at any time based on institutional or NCAA policy changes or changes in applicable laws, rules, or regulations. Changes will be communicated through the compliance office.

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INTERNATIONAL STUDENT-ATHLETE NIL INFORMATION:

• Your international student advisor at the Office of International Programs (OIP) can answer general questions about international student employment. However, the OIP staff is not able to make a determination as to whether an NIL opportunity constitutes legal employment. International Students should seek advice from independent counsel.

International Student-Athletes - please click here and review this document for additional guidance
 

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FAQ
If I’m a student athlete interested in engaging in a NIL deal - what are my steps?

1. Create an Icon Source profile. To do so, click here.
2. You can also reach out to companies directly and vice versa, they can reach out to you directly. You can pursue these at your own discretion. You may pursue legal counsel and representation, although you would be responsible for any costs that may be incurred.
3. Once you have a NIL contract that outlines your works, services, obligations, and compensation, then you must disclose the deal. If the deal is of a $600 value or greater, it is mandatory by NCAA and College Sports Commission (CSC) rules to be disclosed to the NIL clearinghouse known as NIL Go. To do so, click here. If the deal is less than $600, please disclose the deal via your ARMS account in the Name, Image & Likeness approval workflow 

 
If I’m a corporate partner or community member interested in engaging in a NIL deal - what are my steps?
 

1. Visit the UMaine Icon Source home page to find and pair with a student-athlete. To do so, click here. You can also reach out to the student-athlete directly through other channels (Ex: Social Media). Since student-athletes can pursue NIL deals at their discretion, you do not need to contact the athletic department for permission to discuss NIL. Any questions can be directed to um.athletic.compliance@maine.edu
2. Student-athletes need to perform work or service in order for the NIL deal to be permissible. So, you will need to create a contract that outlines who you are, what work, services & obligations the student-athlete will have to you or your company, and how they will be compensated.
3. You or your company must get written approval from our sponsorship team (Van Wagner) before using any UMaine logos, trademarks, or IP in a NIL activity. If you are interested in this, please contact Van Wagner General Manager Laurie Lozier at LLozier@umaineas.com.

 
How can student-athletes promote your business through NIL?

Student-athletes can use social media promotions, autograph signings, commercials & advertisements, public appearances, and other similar events in which a company, brand, product, or service is being promoted.
 
Do I need to file taxes on my NIL Income?

Yes, your NIL income is considered taxable. Make sure to consult with an accountant when filing your taxes on your NIL income
 
Do I need to get permission from the athletic department before discussing a NIL deal with a UMaine student-athlete?

No, student-athletes can pursue these opportunities at their discretion.
 
What do I need to consider when determining the value of my NIL deal?

Monetary compensation but also goods, services & products. You may be compensated for $500 in cash, but also receive a product (Such as clothing, video games, etc.) at the value of $250. So the value of your NIL deal is $750. This must be considered when determining if it meets the $600 + threshold that must be disclosed to NIL Go.
 
Can I promote that I am a student athlete at UMaine?

Yes. Student athletes may disclose that they are UMaine student-athletes during NIL activities. However, you must get approval from Van Wagner to use any UMaine logos, trademarks, or IP during a NIL activity.
 
Can I participate in NIL activities during team activities or when I have classes?

No. Student athletes may not participate in an NIL Activity while required to be present for classes, practice, competition, or another required team event. Student athletes should understand that there may be academic and disciplinary consequences if these are skipped due to NIL activities.
 
What kind of companies can I pursue a NIL deals with?

UMaine NIL policy prohibits pursuing NIL deals that promote alcohol, gambling, drugs, adult entertainment, and NCAA banned substances. Questions on this can be directed to the University NCAA Compliance Office.
 
I’m an International student-athlete at UMaine on a F-1 visa, how does this impact my ability to pursue NIL deals?

Your F-1 visa may be jeopardized by NIL activities due to restrictions on employment. The University NCAA Compliance Office cannot provide NIL guidance to International student-athletes. The Office of International Program (OIP) can only provide limited advice. It is ultimately recommended that you will need to consult with independent legal counsel before pursuing an NIL activity to avoid endangering your visa status.
 

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