Welcome to the GAMECOCK Exchange

Connect and work with athletes from
University Of South Carolina
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What is the University of South Carolina Local Exchange?

The Gamecock 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 Gamecock 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 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 South Carolina NIL protocols.

Does the state of South Carolina have an NIL Policy?

Since July 1, 2021, University of South Carolina student-athletes have had the opportunity to benefit from their name, image and likeness as identified in S.C. Code Ann. § 59-158-40 (2021). 

On July 1, 2022, the state law was suspended and now student-athletes are subject to the interim NCAA NIL policy and not the state law.   

What does it mean to have a suspended NIL state law?

The suspension of S.C. Code Ann. § 59-158-40 simply means that student-athletes are now subject to the NCAA interim NIL policy when participating in NIL activities.  

What does the NCAA interim NIL policy say?

The NCAA interim NIL policy states that NCAA Bylaws, including prohibitions on pay-for-play and improper recruiting inducements, remain in effect, subject to the following: 

  • For institutions in states without NIL laws or executive actions or with NIL laws or executive actions that have not yet taken effect, if an individual elects to engage in an NIL activity, the individual’s eligibility for intercollegiate athletics will not be impacted by application of Bylaw 12 (Amateurism and Athletics Eligibility). 
  • For institutions in states with NIL laws or executive actions with the force of law in effect, if an individual or member institution elects to engage in an NIL activity that is protected by law or executive order, the individual’s eligibility for and/or the membership institution’s full participation in NCAA athletics will not be impacted by application of NCAA Bylaws unless the state law is invalidated or rendered unenforceable by operation of law. 
  • Use of a professional services provider is also permissible for NIL activities, except as otherwise provided by a state law or executive action with the force of law that has not been invalidated or rendered unenforceable by operation of law.

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 written approval of the University of South Carolina Department of Athletics. 

Who approves your request to register?

Designated staff members will review the request to register with the marketplace. If you have any questions, you can email gamecocksnil@sc.edu for assistance.  

How will I know when I am approved?

You will receive an email from the institution verifying your approval. Requests typically take 3-4 business days to review. 

When can I start contacting athletes and processing payments?

Once you are approved by the school you can start connecting with the athletes.