What is The OHIO NIL Exchange?
The OHIO NIL 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 a NIL deal. Once the NIL deal between a registered business and your student-athlete is completed, the business will use The OHIO NIL 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 Ohio University NIL protocols.
Does the state of Ohio have an NIL Policy?
Yes, Ohio Executive Order 2021-10D.
Who may register with The OHIO NIL Exchange?
The OHIO NIL Exchange is open to all businesses, entities, groups, and individuals seeking to enter an NIL agreement or participate in NIL activities with Ohio University student-athletes.
Does the school or INFLCR take any revenue from NIL transactions in The OHIO NIL Exchange?
No.
Do you have to be an official university licensee to register?
No, but businesses will not be permitted to use any university logos/trademarks without permission. Contact Mike Scholze at scholze@ohio.edu for more information and to request approval.
Who approves your request to register?
All requests to join The OHIO NIL Exchange will be reviewed by Associate Athletics Director for External Engagement, Ryan O’Connor. He can be reached at oconnorr@ohio.edu.
How will I know when I am approved?
You should receive an email from the institution verifying your approval.
When can I start contacting athletes and processing payments?
After being approved by the school, you will be able to contact athletes and process payments.
Does The OHIO NIL Exchange make me an official licensee of Ohio University Athletics?
No. Businesses may not use Ohio University Athletics logos or trademarks in NIL activities without prior written approval from Ohio’s Trademarks & Licensing Office. Please contact Mike Scholze at scholze@ohio.edu with questions regarding the application process for the NIL standard license.
Does being a part of The OHIO NIL Exchange allow me to use Ohio University Athletics trademarks for products in conjunction with NIL?
Businesses may not use Ohio University Athletics marks without being an approved standard licensee or a sponsor with IP Rights. For inquiries regarding officially licensed co-branded products, and inquiries regarding commercial sponsorships and endorsements, please contact Mike Scholze at scholze@ohio.edu.
Additional Resources
NIL Policy Link
NIL International Student Policy
NCAA Interim Policy