NIL stands for “Name, Image, and Likeness” specifically referring to the use of an athlete’s NIL through marketing and promotional endeavors. Student-athletes at NCAA institutions could begin monetizing their NIL beginning on July 1, 2021.

Generally speaking, all NIL activities are permitted, as they follow these four guidelines:

• There must be quid pro quo attached to an NIL deal essentially requiring a student-athlete to do an activity in order to receive compensation

• That activity cannot be tied to athletic performance such as statistical achievements, wins, or awards

• That activity cannot be contingent upon the student-athlete committing to the university that the collective supports or tied to enrollment

• Institutions do not provide compensation in exchange for the use of a student-athlete’s NIL

NCAA rules also require student-athletes to follow their state law or institutional policy if there is no existing state law governing NIL activities.

An NIL activity involves the use of a student-athlete’s Name, Image, or Likeness for promotional purposes by a third-party not associated with the NCAA or an NCAA institution such as:

• Social media influencing and other promotions

• Personal appearances at businesses, conferences, camps, parties

• TV ads, radio ads, print ads Endorsements of a third-party

• Student-athlete-run camps and private lessons

• Autographs

• Sale of student-athlete-owned apparel and personal items

• Student-athlete run businesses

The Danes of Greatness Collective works with student-athletes from UAlbany. Initially, the Danes of Greatness Collective is focused on Men’s Basketball.

No – Although endorsed by UAlbany, the Danes of Greatness Collective is organized by a third-party entity.

Yes – Please click here for the UAlbany NIL policy.

No – Our agreements are intentionally non-exclusive to enable student-athletes to continue to build their brand with opportunities outside of Danes of Greatness Collective.

Our goal is to keep our operating costs as low as possible so that at least 80% of the contributions can be distributed to student-athletes. The remaining funds will be used to cover fundraising expenses, deal facilitation, and various administrative expenses.

Danes of Greatness utilizes Opendorse, the leading operating software provider for collectives. This software allows student-athletes to provide compliance reporting to UAlbany and the NCAA (if requested) as well as serves as the way to distribute funds to student-athletes after they have completed their NIL obligation.

No – In compliance with NIL regulations, Danes of Greatness will not meet with, contact, offer a deal, etc. to any prospective student-athlete. Until a student-athlete has signed their NLI and/or the institution has received a deposit of financial aid, they will not be contacted by Danes of Greatness Collective.

Yes, NIL interim policy.

No – Contributions to the Danes of Greatness are not tax deductible.

Yes, effective Mar 22, 2021 Senate Bill S5891F enacts New York collegiate athletic participation compensation act; allows student-athletes to receive compensation including for the use of a student's name, image, or likeness; allows student-athletes to seek professional representation.