Welcome to the CARDS NIL Exchange

Connect and work with athletes from
University of Louisville
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What is the CARDS NIL Exchange?

The CARDS 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 CARDS NIL 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 exchange are consolidated into the compliance ledger for the school's review. 1099-K's are also sent to the student-athletes who meet the IRS threshold for third party payment reporting requirements.

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 University of Louisville NIL protocols.

Does the state of Kentucky have a NIL Policy?

Yes, the state of Kentucky has a NIL Policy. Linked Here

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 CARDS NIL 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 will not be permitted to use university marks without purchasing and obtaining a license specifically for NIL deals with student-athletes through the athletic department. Please contact Louisville Sports Properties General Manager John Penny at jpenny@louisvillesportsproperties.com or Olivia Biven, Director of Licensing at oliviab@gocards.com for more information on licensing.

Who approves your request to register?

A NIL working group will approve each business that requests to enter, but approval is led by the Director of NIL Services and Engagement, Zack McKay. Contact NIL@gocards.com for additional questions. 

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.     

Additional Resources:
NIL Policy Link
Louisville Elevate NIL Program Link

Key Contacts:

Zack McKay - NIL Administration, zackm@gocards.com
Dan Morrissey - Compliance, danm@gocards.com
Olivia Biven - Licensing & Branding, oliviab@gocards.com
John Penny - Multimedia Rights Agreements, jpenny@louisvillesportsproperties.com