What is the Clemson Exchange?
The Clemson Exchange is a student-athlete NIL business registry, custom-designed for businesses, donors, alumni, and any other interested NIL dollars wishing to connect with student-athletes. Registered businesses can search, filter and initiate conversations with your student-athletes to discuss an NIL deal. Once the NIL deal between a registered business and your student-athlete is completed, the business will use the Clemson Exchange to create a transaction that will produce a direct payment to the student-athlete and automate a disclosure to the INFLCR Verified Compliance Ledger. The institution does not have to get involved in the deal and all transactions within the local exchange are consolidated into one 1099 at the end of the year for easier tax reporting purposes for registered businesses and athletes.
FAQs:
What is Name, Image & Likeness?
As of July 1, 2021, student-athletes competing in NCAA intercollegiate athletics are permitted to receive compensation for the use of their name, image or likeness (NIL) for commercial activities, including endorsements through traditional and social media, appearances, entrepreneurial activities, in-kind deals, autographs and more, in accordance with NCAA guidelines and Clemson University NIL protocols.
Does the school or INFLCR take any revenue from NIL transactions in the Local Exchange?
No
When can I start contacting athletes and processing payments?
Upon registration you will be able to contact athletes and process payments.
Can a student-athlete be compensated to promote or endorse a business?
Yes, as long as a University staff member is not involved in arranging for the promotion, a student-athlete may be paid to promote your business. Student-athletes are required to disclose all NIL activities to Compliance Services.
Can a business provide a student-athlete with non-cash compensation (free meal, discount, etc.) without performing an NIL activity?
No. NCAA rules regarding pay-for-play, extra benefits, and impermissible recruiting inducements are still in effect. A student-athlete must provide some type of value (e.g., permission for business to advertise on social media using NIL) for the non-cash compensation. For example, a student-athlete may not be provided with a free meal at a restaurant just because they are a Clemson student-athlete.
Are there prohibited categories for NIL activities?
Yes. A student-athlete may not earn compensation for the use of their NIL for the endorsement of tobacco, alcohol, controlled substances, including but not limited to, marijuana, NCAA banned athletic substances, gambling, including but not limited to sports betting and adult entertainment. Clemson reserves the right to prohibit student-athlete NIL activity which would bring disgrace or embarrassment to the University; tends to shock, insult, or offend the greater Clemson, South Carolina and/or University alumni communities; manifests contempt or disregard for diversity, public morals or decency; or which brings serious discredit to the Athletic Department, the Student Athlete’s Team, or the University, or would be likely to cause prospective student-athletes to elect not to attend the University.
Additionally, NIL activities may not conflict with existing Clemson University sponsorship obligations and similar contractual relationships during any required athletic activities. For information on existing University relationships please contact Tim Match (mtimoth@clemson.edu).
Can a student-athlete use university branded attire or material during promotional events (e.g., student-athlete filming endorsement ad while wearing Clemson hat)?
Student-athlete and businesses interested in using Clemson’s intellectual property (co-branding), such as logos, marks, etc., must submit the request in writing via the NIL Intellectual Property Request Form (PDF), at least 72 hours in advance of the activity, and must receive written approval. The deal must also be recorded in INFLCR.
Can a student-athlete wear an orange or purple shirt without Clemson marks when engaging in NIL activities?
Yes.
Can a business purchase a game worn jersey from a student-athlete to display at their location?
No. Per NCAA rules, student-athletes may not sell or exchange for another item of value institutionally issued apparel, equipment, awards, etc. (even if it will not be re-used) until they have exhausted their eligibility. Purchasing items issued by the university will result in a NCAA violation and will affect the student-athlete’s eligibility.
When dealing with NCAA rules and student-athlete eligibility, is recommended all businesses contact Compliance Services (CUACS@clemson.edu) to review any questions related to NIL activities prior to the activity.