In short, yes. NIL fan collectives are allowed to pay student-athletes directly, with some basic rules. Since 2021, this NCAA compliant method allows fans to provide direct payment to student-athletes in exchange for acts of service and/or publicity.
Currently, NIL collectives do not have tax-exempt status. As such, there are no tax credits or tax deductions.
NIL is an acronym for "Name, Image, and Likeness," which is the permission for an individual, organization, company, etc. to use name, image, or likeness of a student-athlete in exchange for payment.
NIL is the new "price of poker" in intercollegiate athletics. The existence and strength of NIL fan collectives not only enables institutions to recruit the best possible student-athletes, NIL fan collectives help the schools retain their best student-athletes.
You can engage with student-athletes' NIL activities by attending their events, purchasing their merchandise, and following their social media accounts. As long as the support is not contingent on retention, recruitment, or performance, your support is compliant with NCAA guidelines as well as New York State and Federal laws.
While Canisius University and its Department of Athletics are separate from the Golden Guild NIL Fan Collective, which is Canisius's endorsed NIL fan collective for supporting Canisius student-athletes.
Generally, yes. Canisius can coordinate licensing Please email Mike Kochczynski, Assistant Athletic Director of Revenue Generation and Fan Engagement at kochczym@canisius.edu for approval.
No! The directors of the Golden Guild NIL Fan Collective do not take any fees for payments, coordinating appearances, assisting with renumeration, etc. Cornerstone Payment Processing takes about 4% when processing incoming donations. Fans and organizations can pay the 4% processing fee or can avoid it by contacting Mark Tortelli at Mark@GoldenGuild.org to inquire about sending a check.
NIL compensation will have no impact on student-athlete grants, aid, etc.
There are intricacies around taxes and potential visa complications for international student-athletes.
Golden Guild and the individual student-athlete enter into a simple services agreement, which outlines the responsibilities, compensation, payment methods, and basic terms for both parties. The agreement terminates upon the student-athlete’s separation from Canisius University Athletics via completion of their eligibility, transfer, or loss of eligibility.
Absolutely! You can offer endorsements or business opportunities to student-athletes, but they must adhere to NCAA rules and guidelines. Always ensure that the opportunities are not contingent on athletic performance and that fair market value is provided. When in doubt, check with Canisius Athletics’ Compliance staff.
Canisius University understands the need to invest in Athletics, which includes opportunities for student-athletes to support themselves via NIL opportunities. Please consider continuing to give to Canisius, and please make room to support our student-athletes directly through the NIL Fan Collective.
For now, you have the right to obtain access to a student-athlete's name, image, and likeness for use in publicity, appearances, etc. Golden Guild will follow up with you after your contribution to clarify the terms of your payment. In the near future, we hope to launch podcasts, merchandise, and experiences to give you insider access to Canisius' athletic programs.