Completed Event: Volleyball at Old Dominion on November 7, 2025 , Win , 3, to, 0 , (25-15, 25-23, 25-23)
VB
Final
James Madison
3
at Old Dominion
(25-15, 25-23, 25-23)
0
James Madison University | Official Athletics Site
NAME, IMAGE AND LIKENESS (NIL)
Student-athletes at James Madison University have the right to utilize their name, image, and likeness (NIL) to earn compensation. Student-athletes must adhere to the State Law of Virginia and all University policies when engaging in NIL activities. In order for an NIL activity to occur, a quid-pro-quo must be present. In other words, a student must do something in exchange for the compensation they are receiving. Compensation includes any remuneration or the receipt of anything of value in exchange for the use of a students NIL.
Examples of Permissible Student-Athlete NIL Activities
- Start a business
- Sell apparel or merchandise
- Public appearances or engagements
- Social media product promotions, sponsorship placements or appearances (i.e. Cameo, YouTube, etc.)
- Promoting a private business or a specific business product
- Autographs or the sale of memorabilia not owned by JMU
Frequently Asked Questions
- I want to do an NIL deal with a student-athlete. How do I go about contacting them?
- You have several options for this. Typically, social media is the most effective way of contacting one of our student-athletes. Additionally, you can reach out to Stephen LaPorta in the athletics compliance office, and if he has received consent from the student to share any personal information for the purposes of NIL activities he can provide that to you.
- What is the going rate for an NIL activity?
- There is not a set rate that must be paid. The rate is determined between the student-athlete and the NIL entity.
- Can a student-athlete wear their jersey in a NIL activity?
- Student-athletes may wear any JMU apparel that they own during an NIL activity, but equipment such as jerseys or helmets that belong to the institution may not be used.
- Does compensation have to be cash?
- Compensation for NIL activities must be agreed upon by the student-athlete and the NIL entity. Potential compensation could include money, discounts, or receipt of other items of value (e.g. gift in kind). A quid-pro-quo must be present for a student-athlete to receive compensation.
- Who can I contact if I have questions about NIL activities?
- Stephen LaPorta- laportsp@jmu.edu
Key Elements of JMU's Institutional NIL Policy
- Student-athletes may appear in JMU-issued branded apparel that they own as part of NIL activities.
- Student-athletes may sell merchandise that includes official JMU marks provided they have followed the JMU Foundation's licensing approval process.
- JMU Athletics coaches, staff and administrators may facilitate or arrange NIL opportunities for student-athletes, but the student has the authority to determine which opportunities they want to engage in.
- Student-athletes may use a talent agent or secure other external marketing assistance but may not hire a sports agent specifically related to athletic performance and competitive opportunities.
- Student privacy laws prevent student email addresses or cell phone numbers being shared by university staff members with external entities unless consent has been provided by the student-athlete.
- Athletics staff can and will help educate student-athletes on NIL, what it means, what is different, how to navigate and basic best practice recommendations. The department's existing partnership with Influencer has expanded to provide educational resources to student-athletes specifically pertaining to NIL. The Dukes Lead program will also help educate student-athletes on NIL, personal branding and related topics.
- Student-athletes must report all NIL activities to the compliance office per the state law. All tracking and reporting will also occur through the Influencer platform.
