Welcome to the SMU BOLD Exchange
Connect and work with athletes from
Southern Methodist University
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What is the SMU BOLD Local Exchange?
The SMU BOLD Exchange is a student-athlete NIL business registry, custom-designed for businesses, donors, alumni, and any other interested NIL constituents 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 SMU BOLD Exchange to create a transaction that will produce a direct payment to the student-athlete (without any transaction fee) 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 SMU NIL protocols.
Does the state of Texas have an NIL Policy?
Yes
Can a University employee or coach help arrange a deal for an athlete?
No. University employees, including coaches and members of the athletics department, CANNOT negotiate deals or contracts. However, they can direct student-athletes to NIL related opportunities on the "SMU BOLD Exchange"
Does the school or INFLCR take any revenue from NIL transactions in the Local Exchange?
No
Do you have to be an official university licensee to register?
No, but businesses are not permitted to use university marks without approval from Mustang Sports Properties. If you desire to use the marks in retail, approval can be obtained via CLC.
Who approves your request to register?
Typically, compliance administrators designated by the institution review registration requests. If you have any questions about your approval, contact Janet Akinola, Director of Compliance at jakinola@smu.edu.
How will I know when I am approved?
You should receive an email from the institution verifying your approval. We don’t have specific numbers for how long it will take to get verified. Each institution works differently.
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.
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