Dakota Wesleyan University NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) Guidelines

In the fall of 2020, the NAIA membership passed new legislation that allows student-athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL) without violating the amateurism rules of the NAIA.

Dakota Wesleyan University fully supports, but does not initiate, NIL agreements. The student-athlete is responsible for seeking or negotiating NIL opportunities. NIL is a rapidly evolving subject and, as such, the following information will be subject to ongoing review and revision as circumstances, laws, regulations and policies change. 

NIL agreements traditionally occur when a third party (individual, business, etc.) offers a student-athlete compensation for their name, image and likeness coupled with reference to their status as a participant of a Dakota Wesleyan athletics program. When such an agreement is entered into, the student-athlete must formally report the compensation by following the steps below.

NIL Agreement Reporting Process

  1. If a student-athlete enters into an NIL agreement, they must report any compensation to the Dakota Wesleyan Athletic Director (Jon Hart | johart1@dwu.edu | 605-995-2898)
  2. The student-athlete must complete the form on this page: https://www.naia.org/membership/nil-submit-details

This form populates to the NAIA, who will in turn contact the DWU Athletic Director to acknowledge and confirm the agreement. Failure to report NIL agreements will result in a review by the National Coordinating Committee. 

Before entering an NIL agreement, we encourage student-athletes to consider the following:

  • Have someone review any contract before you sign.
  • Be aware that receiving compensation for NIL could have an impact on financial aid, especially those receiving Pell grants. Student-athletes are encouraged to consult with the financial aid office to fully understand these potential impacts.
  • Be mindful of the companies you are asked to promote and how that promotion can impact your personal brand and the values of Dakota Wesleyan. 
  • When presented with a partnership, seek guidance from your coaches, friends, family, professors and others who can help determine if such an agreement is right for you. 

DWU Terms of NIL Agreements

  • Properly notify and report NIL agreement(s) to the DWU Athletic staff and NAIA 
  • Any promotional material or post for outside entities that includes the Dakota Wesleyan brand must be pre-approved by a member of the DWU marketing or athletics staff.
  • Student-athletes cannot allow NIL activities/participation to interfere with academic or athletic obligations
  • Student-athletes shall not use their NIL to promote gambling, alcohol products, tobacco products, adult entertainment, substances banned by the NAIA or other illegal products or services. Dakota Wesleyan athletics staff and administration has the discretion to deem partnerships inappropriate, which can impact a student’s academic and athletic status.   

More Information and NIL Resources