Name, Image, and Likeness Guidelines

In the fall of 2020, the NAIA membership passed new legislation that allows student-athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL) without violating the amateurism rules of the NAIA.

Morningside University fully supports, but does not initiate, NIL agreements. The student-athlete is responsible for seeking or negotiating NIL opportunities. NIL is a rapidly evolving subject and, as such, the following information will be subject to ongoing review and revision as circumstances, laws, regulations and policies change. 

NIL agreements traditionally occur when a third party (individual, business, etc.) offers a student-athlete compensation for their name, image and likeness coupled with reference to their status as a participant of a Morningside athletics program. When such an agreement is entered into, the student-athlete must formally report the compensation by following the steps below.

NIL Agreement Reporting Process

  1. If a student-athlete enters into an NIL agreement, they must report any compensation to Morningside Athletic Director, Jim Sykes
  2. The student-athlete must follow the sign up instructions on this page: https://www.naia.org/student-athletes/current/name-image-likeness/

This form populates to the NAIA, who will in turn contact the Morningside Athletic Director to acknowledge and confirm the agreement. Failure to report NIL agreements will result in a review by the National Coordinating Committee. 

Before entering an NIL agreement, we encourage student-athletes to consider the following:

  • Have someone review any contract before you sign.
  • Be aware that receiving compensation for NIL could have an impact on financial aid, especially those receiving Pell grants. Student-athletes are encouraged to consult with the financial aid office to fully understand these potential impacts.
  • Be mindful of the companies you are asked to promote and how that promotion can impact your personal brand and the values of Morningside. 
  • When presented with a partnership, seek guidance from your coaches, friends, family, professors and others who can help determine if such an agreement is right for you. 

Morningside Terms of NIL Agreements

  • Properly notify and report NIL agreement(s) to the Morningside Athletic staff and NAIA 
  • Any promotional material or post for outside entities that includes the Morningside brand must be pre-approved by a member of the Morningside Marketing or Sports Information.
  • Student-athletes cannot allow NIL activities/participation to interfere with academic or athletic obligations
  • Student-athletes shall not use their NIL to promote gambling, alcohol products, tobacco products, adult entertainment, substances banned by the NAIA or other illegal products or services. Morningside athletics staff and administration has the discretion to deem partnerships inappropriate, which can impact a student’s academic and athletic status.   

More Information and NIL Resources