NIL comes from the right of publicity, which is an intellectual property right that protects a person’s right to use their name, image, likeness, or other components of their identity (e.g., nickname, pseudonym, voice, signature, likeness, jersey number, or photograph) for commercial benefits or promotional purposes.

On July 1, 2021, the NCAA enacted the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policy. This was a direct result of O’Bannon and Alston’s legal cases.

• Student-athletes (including recruits) CAN engage in NIL Activities that are consistent with the laws of the state where the school is located;
• Student-athletes CAN use a professional services provider for NIL Activities;
• NIL CAN NOT be used as a recruiting inducement (i.e., compensation for NIL Activities cannot be contingent on enrollment at a particular institution);
• NIL CAN NOT be paid on a performance-related basis (i.e., pay-for-play); and
• All NIL activities MUST be quid pro quo: there must be an exchange of goods or services for compensation related to one’s NIL.

An approved NIL activity occurs when a student-athlete provides a service using their NIL in exchange for some form of compensation at market value. The most important concept associated with an approved NIL-related activity is “an exchange of services.” The student-athlete provides a service using their NIL, and the recipient of that service compensates the student-athlete in return. NIL activities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Social media influencing and other promotions
• Personal appearances at businesses, conferences, camps, parties, TV ads, radio ads, print ads
• Endorsements of a third-party
• Student-athlete-run camps and private lessons
• Autographs
• Sale of student-athlete-owned apparel and personal items
• Student-athlete-run businesses

Yes. Student-athletes cannot enter into deals that promote any third party related to or associated with the development, production, promotion, distribution, wholesaling, or retailing of the following: tobacco products, including but not limited to any tobacco product, alternative nicotine products, electronic nicotine delivery system; alcohol products, beverage, or brand; adult entertainment products and/or services; gambling/sports wagering in any format (i.e., in person, online, etc.); prescription pharmaceuticals; NCAA banned substances; weapons (including but not limited to firearms and ammunition), political advertising, or other opportunities that go against Georgia Southern University values.

No, if a student-athlete receives money or goods without providing a service, it would be considered an extra benefit under existing NCAA rules. The student-athlete would be deemed immediately ineligible and must go through the NCAA’s reinstatement process before returning to competition. All NIL activities MUST be quid pro quo: there must be an exchange of goods or services for compensation related to one’s NIL. However, there can be no compensation tied to athletic performance such as statistical achievements, wins, or awards.

A Collective is an entity created by a group of individuals/businesses who have pooled their financial resources for the purpose of monetizing NIL opportunities for student-athletes. Eagle Nation Collective is the Official NIL Collective of Georgia Southern Athletics.

We will generate and pool revenue raised through contributions from a wide variety of sources, including donors, businesses, fans, events, experiences, and more. We will use these funds to create opportunities for student-athletes to leverage their NIL in exchange for compensation.

The Eagle Nation Collective has an Advisory Board through its Founder’s Club whose purpose will be to raise funds, serve as ambassadors in the community, review organizational strategy, and participate in various events and forums.

Yes, businesses and individuals can request specific NIL opportunities with certain student-athletes (e.g., appearance requests, autographs, etc.). The Eagle Nation Collective can engage with select GS student-athletes both directly and on behalf of businesses interested in marketing efforts that feature GS student-athletes. For more information please contact us at the following email: info@eaglenationnil.com.

Yes. Depending on contribution levels, our plan is to support all 17 NCAA men’s and women’s athletic programs.

Yes. Businesses and individuals can request specific NIL deals with athletes. For more information please contact us at the following email: info@eaglenationnil.com.

Yes. Contributions can be specified for specific sports and programs. For more information please contact us at the following email: info@eaglenationnil.com.

Individuals and businesses interested in giving larger contributions can do so via the “one-time contribution link” on the membership page. For more information please contact us at the following email: info@eaglenationnil.com.

No, the Eagle Nation Collective will not release student-athlete NIL-related information to any entity unless compelled to do so by a legal order.

No. While the Eagle Nation Collective is not directly affiliated with the University, we have been endorsed as the Official NIL Collective of Georgia Southern Athletics. This recognition further validates our efforts in the marketplace and strengthens our position to positively impact all 17 NCAA athletic programs at GS.

No. Those looking to support the Georgia Southern Athletic Foundation and all of its endeavors should continue to do so.

No, contributions made to the Eagle Nation Collective are NOT tax deductible. If you are a business that wants to use a player in a marketing campaign for your company, consult with your CPA about using the Collective as a marketing expense.