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University of Wyoming Athletics

NIL Policy

Updated October 23, 2025

UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT
STUDENT-ATHLETE NAME/IMAGE/LIKENESS POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
 
These policies/procedures are utilized by the University of Wyoming (UW) Athletic Department Compliance Office (UW Compliance Office) to provide information to and monitor UW student-athletes utilizing their Name/Image/Likeness (NIL). Student-athletes should consult the UW Compliance Office for questions regarding NCAA guidelines, disclosure requirements, and general NIL information.
 
**Student-athletes are advised to secure external financial, tax, and/or legal advice for questions related to NIL considerations that are beyond the scope and role of the UW Compliance Office and this policy.
 
I. NCAA GUIDANCE ON NAME, IMAGE, AND LIKENESS:
 
NCAA guidance permits student-athletes to earn compensation by utilizing NIL.  However, current NCAA prohibitions related to “pay for play,” inducements, and/or extra benefits identify specific impermissible NIL-related conduct that may jeopardize a student-athlete’s eligibility.
 
Consistent with NCAA guidelines, student-athletes are generally prohibited from the following regarding NIL activities:
  1. Engaging in NIL agreements without a quid pro quo (e.g. compensation may only be provided for work performed);
  2. Engaging in NIL agreements where compensation is contingent on initial or continued enrollment at the institution;
  3. Engaging in NIL agreements where compensation is contingent on specific athletic performance or achievement (e.g., financial incentives based on points scored); or
    1. Note: Athletic performance may enhance a student-athlete’s NIL value, but athletic performance may not be “consideration” for NIL compensation.
  4. Engaging in NIL agreements without disclosing required information to the UW Compliance Office or via NIL Go.
    1. Any external NIL deal valued at more than $600 must be reported via NIL Go.
 
Additionally, NCAA guidelines require institutions to have established NIL policies and procedures for student-athletes. 
 
II. UW ATHLETICS NAME, IMAGE, AND LIKENESS POLICY AND PROCEDURES:
 
UW Athletics supports student-athletes’ NIL opportunities, provided these activities are conducted in accordance with NCAA guidelines and institutional policies and procedures.  
 
A.  Disclosure Requirement
Student-athletes are encouraged to disclose ALL NIL transactions to the UW Compliance Office via Teamworks. Furthermore, student-athletes are required (per NCAA rules) to disclose all NIL transactions totaling more than $600* to the UW Compliance Office and NIL Go. This includes information related to compensation arrangements and involved individuals, commercial entities and/or third parties (e.g., contract information). While student-athletes should complete all disclosure activities (via Teamworks) prior to engaging in any NIL activities in order to minimize potential concerns/issues/etc., they are required (per NCAA rules) to disclose applicable activities no later than five days after entering or signing a NIL agreement.
 
*Only pertains to NIL activities involving an external (third party) agreement.
 
B.  Prohibited Name, Image, and Likeness Activities
UW student-athletes are prohibited from engaging in NIL activities that conflict with existing institutional sponsorship arrangements or based on other considerations, such as conflict with institutional values, as defined by the institution in this policy.
 
Student-athletes are prohibited from engaging in NIL activities that promote the following products/industries:
 
  • Alcohol and/or related products and establishments;
  • Athletics apparel that conflicts with team/department sponsorship(s);
  • Gambling activities that involve NCAA-sponsored sports;
  • Illegal substances and/or activities;
  • Inappropriate or lewd images/behavior as determined by the Director of Athletics/Designee.
  • Marijuana and related products and establishments; and
  • Tobacco and related products and establishments;
 
Unless specifically approved by the UW Compliance Office, student-athletes will not be permitted to promote third parties or display third party “branding” during official UW events and team activities.
 
C.  Utilization of Student-Athlete Name, Image, and Likeness by Institution
Pursuant to the Student-Athlete Handbook and the Student-Athlete Promotional Activities Policies, UW will utilize a student-athlete’s NIL to market/promote the institution, its sports programs, etc. as it deems appropriate. 
 
D.  Limitations on Scheduling and Location of Name, Image, and Likeness Activities
UW student-athlete NIL activities may not conflict/interfere with team/department responsibilities and requirements (e.g., practice times, team travel, games, etc.). Additionally student-athletes may not miss academic requirements (class, tutors, etc.) to fulfill NIL obligations.
 
Student-athletes may not engage in NIL activities on university grounds or buildings without prior approval from the UW Compliance Office. Any facility use/reservation would follow established UW policies and procedures (e.g., reservation, payment, etc.).
 
E.  Limitations on the Use of University Marks/Logos/Trademarks
Student-athletes and third-party contractors shall not use UW registered trademarks, products protected by copyright, or official logos, or marks without the express written permission of UW Trademark and Licensing Office. Limited marks/logos/trademark info can be found at Wyoming Athletics Brand Guide (PDF) - University of Wyoming Athletics (gowyo.com). This information is not exhaustive and student-athletes are advised to contact the UW Compliance Office with any questions.
 
F.  Use of Agents for Name, Image, and Likeness Activities
Student-athletes may consult with or hire an agent to assist with securing NIL opportunities. Any agent that wants to work with a student-athlete for NIL purposes must adhere to the Wyoming Uniform Athlete Agent Act (UAAA), state laws (when applicable), and/or UW Athletic Department Policies and Procedures including the following:
  • All student-athletes and agents must adhere to applicable Wyoming agency laws (e.g., disclosure, registration, etc.).
  • All agents must be registered in the State of Wyoming under the UAAA and follow all applicable state laws (e.g., registration with institution and state, timing and disclosure of potential agreements, etc.).
  • All agents must be registered with the UW Compliance Office. Inquiries/information may be directed to:
    • Peter Prigge, Senior Associate Athletics Director for Compliance & Olympic Sports – pprigge@uwyo.edu
    • Molly Hansen, Director of Compliance – mhanse35@uwyo.edu 
 
G.  Competition, Financial Aid and Student VISAs
The Athletic Department may not withhold a student-athlete from competition based on NIL earnings or opportunities that are appropriately secured.  Additionally, the Athletic Department may not revoke a student-athlete’s scholarship based on NIL earnings. 
 
Student-athletes should be aware that NIL opportunities may impact federal financial aid packages and need-based academic aid. Student-athletes should direct questions on non-athletically related financial aid to the Office of Student Financial Aid or the Athletics Financial Aid Coordinator.  The UW Athletic Department also strongly recommends that student-athletes work with independent financial advisors regarding other impacts (e.g., tax implications, etc.) of NIL compensation.
 
International student-athletes are advised to contact the International and Students Scholars Office or an independent legal advisor when considering NIL activities and payment, as engaging in such activity may jeopardize student visa status. 
 
H.  Additional NIL Resources
Additional NCAA NIL information including a Q&A document (e.g., NIL and recruits, NIL and boosters, etc.) can be found at NIL Disclosure and Transparency Rules.
 
 
 APPENDIX
 
III. DEFINITIONS
 
Agent/Attorney: Any individual who, directly or indirectly, represents or attempts to represent an individual for the purpose of marketing his/her athletics ability or reputation for financial gain or seeks to obtain any type of financial gain or benefit from an intercollegiate student-athlete’s potential earnings as a professional athlete.
 
Booster: A booster is an individual, agency, entity or organizations who is known by an institution to: 1) have made any type of financial or in-kind contribution to the Athletic Department or booster organization for the department; 2) have been or are a current season ticket holder; 3) have been a member of any organization or agency promoting Wyoming Athletics (Cowboy Joe Club); 4) have assisted or been requested to assist in the recruitment of prospective student-athletes; 5) have arranged for or provided benefits to enrolled student-athletes or their families, or to prospective student-athletes and their families; or 6) have otherwise promoted the University Athletics program in any manner. The definition of a “representative of athletics interest” or more commonly “booster” will continue to reflect the applicable NCAA language.
 
Institutional Facility: Any buildings or grounds that is owned and operated by the University of Wyoming or its campus partners.
 
Mark/Logo/Trademark: A graphic mark, emblem, symbol or stylized name that is used to identify a company, University or entity. As noted below, any use of University of Wyoming marks/logos/trademarks must be approved by the UW Trademark/Licensing Office.  
 
Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL): NIL refers to a person’s right of publicity. Per the NCAA, right of publicity involves those situations where permission is required of a person to use their Name, Image, or Likeness. Student-athletes may now use this “right of publicity” to earn compensation.