The Vegas Effect
Beginning July 1, 2021, UNLV student-athletes participating in intercollegiate athletics are permitted to receive compensation for the use of their name, image, and likeness (“NIL”), with certain limitations.
What is the Vegas Effect?
The Vegas Effect is a three-part education based program used to assist and connect UNLV’s student-athletes as they become eligible to profit off their name, image and likeness. UNLV will be partnering with NOCAP Sports to provide student-athletes with personalized platforms, financial training and 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.”
UNLV Policy and Procedures
UNLV Athletics has established policies and procedures for the review of NIL compensation and agent representation required from the Nevada State Law. This policy is intended to promote compliance with applicable laws and policies, clarify student-athletes’ rights to receive compensation for the use of their name, image, and likeness, and preserve student-athletes’ eligibility.
This policy is not intended to prevent or discourage student-athletes from earning compensation for their name, image, and likeness.
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NIL is NOT pay for play - Compensation for a student-athlete may not be determined on athletic performance.
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Student-athletes are prohibited from participating in NIL activities when engaged in official team activities (e.g., practice, competition, media obligations, team travel, promotional activities, travel, etc.).
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Student-athletes may not miss class or other academic commitments for NIL activities.
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Student-athletes should not engage in NIL activities that conflict with NCAA rules (e.g., sports wagering, tobacco, banned substances, etc.).
Educational information for student-athletes (do’s and don’ts)
All UNLV student-athletes are provided with the tools needed to build and enhance their personal brands, connect with the local Las Vegas marketplace and continue to be educated on what is permissible by the state, UNLV and NCAA rules and regulations with the help of NOCAP.
Required Student-Athlete Actions:
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Disclose all deals on NOCAP prior to NIL activity
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Marketing Agent registration
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Have UNLV logo usage approved
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Complete ALL administrative items such as taxes & insurance
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International students: confirm VISA & tax commitments
UNLV Restrictions
The UNLV Athletic Department discourages student-athletes from participating in activities that do not align with UNLV’s mission and core values, as well as NCAA bylaws. Examples include: drug dispensaries, adult establishments, alcohol endorsements and/or sports wagering.
Trademarks and Logo Usage
UNLV student-athletes may use UNLV marks and logos if prior approval is received. The student-athlete must observe the designated protocol available for all vendors making this request. The UNLV Athletics Marketing Department oversees this process as they reserve the right to deny any request that does not align with UNLV Athletics mission and core values.
Asset Request Form Can be Found Here and should be sent to karl.feak@unlv.edu -
Agents
An agent can only represent a student-athlete for the purpose of marketing and branding. Marketing agents who are seeking to represent any UNLV student-athlete(s) will need to be registered with NOCAP. For agents who are seeking to represent a student-athlete for professional purposes, they must go through the UNLV Agent registration process and be licensed in the state of Nevada.
It is impermissible for an agent or a member of the agency to represent a student-athlete for professional activities or promise future representation.
Prospective Student-Athletes
Prior to becoming an UNLV student-athlete, a committed prospective student-athlete MUST disclose all NIL activities using the same disclosure process as our current student-athletes. Additionally, after commitment to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas a prospective student-athlete will sign a National Letter of Intent and be provided with the institutional policy and NIL regulations from the UNLV Athletics Department. Committed prospective student-athletes are subject to the same standards and prohibition as our current student-athletes.
International Student-Athletes
International student-athletes may not be able to take advantage of any NIL opportunities presented as the engagement of NIL activity will have an impact on your visa or work status. You must be in contact with the UNLV Office of International Students and Scholars to confirm that participating in NIL activities will not impact your visa status.
Financial Aid
Engaging in NIL activities may impact the student-athlete and/or their family’s financial aid package which includes any FAFSA submissions.
FAQ
If you have questions in regards to Name, Image, and Likeness please contact the compliance office with any questions.
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Where can I go or whom do I contact for questions regarding NIL?
ANSWER: Contact UNLV Compliance!
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How does earnings work if I’m an international student?
ANSWER: International students including student-athletes may not work while physically present in the United States. This includes conducting and being compensated for virtual or digital work for an American or
foreign company while living in the US. International student-athletes may engage in NIL activity and receive compensation for such activity when they are in their home country returning home for breaks or
holidays. International student-athletes may also find it helpful to consult with their school’s office of international programs on this matter.
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Is there a limit to how many NIL deals or activities I can do?
ANSWER: There is no limit per se, but student-athletes should be mindful of balancing their existing obligations as a student and as an athlete when taking on NIL opportunities.
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Are schools allowed to arrange NIL opportunities for student-athletes?
ANSWER: Some state laws restrict schools from arranging deals for their athletes. The NCAA rules leave that decision up to individual schools, but it warns that schools need to be careful that they don't cross any
lines into an area that could be considered paying the players or using NIL payments as a recruiting tool. Therefore, UNLV Athletics will not be arranging any NIL deals for their student-athletes.
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How is an agent for NIL purposes different from getting an agent to prepare for a draft or professional career?
ANSWER: Obtaining an agent or representative for marketing purposes does not impact a student-athlete’s eligibility nor does one have to obtain an agent to participate in NIL activities. Agents or representatives
who are obtained for marketing of athletics ability, improper recruiting inducements, and/or representation in future professional sports negotiations are still prohibited.
To see the NCAA’s full NIL Q&A please follow this link: https://ncaaorg.s3.amazonaws.com/ncaa/NIL/NIL_QandA.pdf
Helpful links
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NIL Educational Materials
The following document is an educational resource to help educate anyone looking to learn more about UNLV NIL regulations and guidelines.
