NIL Frequently Asked Questions

NIL is the opportunity for student-athletes to be compensated in exchange for the use of their name, image, and likeness.

The state of South Carolina currently has a suspended state law. This means that each institution within the state can create their own institutional policies.

No, engaging in an NIL deal will not affect your Gamecock Club membership.

Yes, provided the NIL compensation is for actual NIL activity by a Gamecock student-athlete and is not a recruiting inducement, in exchange for athletic performance (pay-for-play), initial enrollment, or continued attendance at USC. A Gamecock Club Member may not compensate a Gamecock student-athlete for NIL when the Gamecock student-athlete is engaged in official team activities. For example, if a Gamecock student-athlete is at a fan event organized by the USCAD or is at an away-from-home competition, a Gamecock Club Member may not compensate the Gamecock student-athlete for their autograph or photo, as they are engaged in official team activities.

Fans may sign-up as an individual through the Gamecock Exchange to contact student-athletes regarding autographs, appearances, lessons, etc.

Yes, provided the deal is disclosed and there is an exchange of services between you and the student-athlete. Student-athletes may not show up wearing apparel with USC marks on it. Student-athletes can submit a request to use USC intellectual property in their NIL activity.

Gamecock student-athletes must request use of intellectual property, including but not limited to official logos, marks, colors, by using the NIL Use of Marks Request Form and submitting the form as indicated on the request form. The form must be submitted no later than five (5) business days prior to the NIL activity. Any request submitted after this deadline shall be denied.

Yes, NIL activities should be disclosed.

Yes, Value-in-kind deals are permissible forms of NIL compensation if there is work performed by the student-athlete. Examples of Value-in-Kind include but are not limited to shoes, food, clothing, etc

The Gamecock Exchange  allows for perspective businesses and Gamecock student-athletes to connect and foster business relationships.

Please fill out this form if you are interested in joining the Gamecock Exchange. All applications are reviewed before approval is granted.

NIL deals are automatically disclosed once they are submitted in the exchange.

Please refer to use of marks section below

Student-athletes may not engage in NIL activities that conflict with team activities or academic obligations. Student-athletes must also gain permission to use UofSC marks before using them in their NIL activities.

No

Yes, student-athletes may receive representation for their NIL activities. Agents must be registered with the University and with the state of South Carolina.

Yes, Value-in-kind deals are permissible forms of NIL compensation if there is work performed by the student-athlete. Examples of Value-in-Kind include but are not limited to shoes, food, clothing, tattoos, etc

USC marks and Intellectual property include but are not limited to: registered trademarks, products protected by copyright, or official logos, marks, or colors.

Yes, student-athletes may autograph licensed items purchased by fans. However, please note that Gamecock student-athletes may not autograph, sell, or exchange for anything of value items that are issued, owned, or controlled by the University of South Carolina Athletics Department.

Use of USC institutional marks in conjunction with an NIL activity is prohibited without express written permission by the University of South Carolina Athletics Department.

Use of USC institutional marks in conjunction with an NIL activity is prohibited without express written permission by the University of South Carolina Athletics Department.

An intercollegiate athlete may request use of intellectual property, including but not limited to official logos, marks, colors, by using the NIL Use of Marks Request Form. This form must be submitted no later than five (5) business days prior to the event or activity. Any request submitted after this deadline shall be denied. The completed request form should be submitted to Hilary Cox, Associate Athletics Director, at coxha@mailbox.sc.edu.