Name, Image and Likeness (NIL)
What is (NIL)?
NIL, or Name, Image and Likeness is a personal right of publicity involving situations where permission is required of a person to use their name, image or likeness; the requirement of permission also means that the person whose NIL is being used may demand compensation by a third party in return for use of one鈥檚 NIL.
Student Athlete Resources
NIL Guidelines for UMass Student-Athletes
If you're a student-athlete engaging in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) activities, please review the following guidelines to ensure compliance with UMass and NCAA rules.
You may refer to your participation in UMass Athletics in NIL activities by stating:
- "I play [name of sport] at UMass"
- "I'm a member of the UMass [name of sport] team"
You may not imply institutional endorsement or speak on behalf of UMass.
Selling UMass-Provided Items or Awards
You may not sell:
- Any products or gear provided by UMass Athletics
- Awards or benefits received through your participation in collegiate athletics
Use of University Branding Without Permission
You may not use the following in NIL content (including social media, merchandise, promotions, etc.) without prior written approval:
- UMass logos, trademarks, symbols, or service marks
- UMass Athletics apparel with university marks
- Any university-owned intellectual property
All requests must go through the UMass Trademark & Licensing Administration.
If your NIL merchandise includes UMass logos, trademarks, or other branding:
- It must be produced by a licensed UMass vendor (link to Licensed vendor page)
- You must receive written approval from the Trademark & Licensing Office
- For UMass Amherst Student Athletes please fill out & submit a Trademark Use Form (link to form)
You may request to use UMass-owned images (e.g., facilities, crowd shots), but:
- You must receive written approval from the Trademark & Licensing Office
- Each approved image costs $25.00. Payment is by check, payable to "UMass Licensing"
Request via email: trademarkapprovals@umass.edu
Photos of current or former student-athletes are not available for NIL use.
You may use third-party-owned photos or media only after approval from the Trademark & Licensing Office. Even if UMass branding appears in the background, approval is still required.
- Identify yourself using approved phrases
- Never sell UMass-issued gear or awards
- Don鈥檛 use UMass logos or branding without approval
- Submit Trademark Use Form for NIL merch
- Only use licensed vendors for branded merchandise
- Request and pay for UMass-owned facility or crowd photos
- Never use athlete-specific imagery
- Get approval for third-party media
Questions or Requests Regarding NIL
For all approvals, trademark use, image requests, and NIL branding questions, contact:
UMass Director of Trademark & Licensing Administration, Evelin Simmons at Evelin.simmons@umass.edu.
