What is NIL?
Name, Image & Likeness (NIL) are the three elements that make up a legal concept know as “rights of publicity.” These are identifiable to you – who you are – and what any individual can sell to promote a product or service.
- Name – Literally your name; allowing your name to be associated with a product or service for profit
- Image – Your face, body and appearance; allowing your physical or virtual self to be associated with a product or service for profit
- Likeness – A portrait or representation; allowing yourself to be used in products as a portrayal of your image
Your school is taking an innovative approach by investing in NIL education resources to display their commitment to providing resources that match the championship standards of our programs and the aspirations of our students.
What is Bedford Agency?
Bedford Agency is a NIL education and College Sports Recruiting consultant to schools, parents, student-athletes, coaches and state associations including the Oklahoma Secondary Activities Association. It serves as the “service provider” for you to ask questions, review disclosures and ensure compliance of all your NIL activities on behalf of the school. It also has recently announced a partnership agreement with industry leader Opendorse, to enhance its efforts surrounding Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), providing Bedford Agency the tools and resources needed to build joint solutions to support the high school NIL market as an official partner. Together the two companies will be working with high schools to offer branded marketplaces, consulting, training and support as a joint offering.
What is Opendorse?
Opendorse is the industry leading NIL platform and service that helps athletes and families understand, build, protect, and monetize their name, image and likeness.
We have partnered with Opendorse to provide NIL education resources and seminars for our members.
We have invested in a curated NIL Marketplace where local companies can connect with our members for NIL sponsorships.
What are the state rules and platform requirements?
Can I use my NIL to receive compensation? -Yes, You can use your name, image and likeness to earn compensation from others.
What do I need to do for an NIL activity? -It is up to you to decide how you want to monetize your NIL, but no matter what…… you have to do something-that’s referred to as quid pro quo. In other words, you must be doing something for somebody else.
What can I be compensated for? -You can be compensated for almost anything, but you cannot be compensated for athletic participation, achievement (i.e. scoring touchdowns in a game) or enticed to transfer to another high school.
Can I be compensated for attending a school? No! Current or prospective athletes cannot be paid for enrolling at or staying at a certain school.
Can I use an agent? -Yes! You can use a professional service provider (Agent, Advisor, marketing consultant, attorney, brand manager, etc.) for NIL activities as long as they are not representing you for professional athletic opportunities.
Can I use or wear my school’s logos in NIL activities? No! You cannot wear your team uniform or use content with your team, school, or athletic logos in NIL activities. We would also suggest not using school logos or school gear in the creation of your NIL marketplace photos.
How can I be compensated? – You will receive compensation for NIL activities many different ways: cash, checks, digital credit cards, gift cards, free products or services, paid travel, complimentary meals and more.
Will this impact my collegiate eligibility? -No, as long as you follow OSSAA and NIL regulations specific to the collegiate governing body (ie. NCAA, NAIA, NJCAA, etc.). For more more information, contact your athletic department or the appropriate association.
Do I have to pay taxes on my NIL income? -Yes! Any NIL income earned is subject to
state and/or federal taxes. Additionally, need-based financial aid could be impacted
(e.g., Federal Pell Grants, etc.) based on compensation from NIL activities.
Here’s how to get the your community involved:
Please reach out to Bryan Bedford, CEO of Bedford Agency if you have any questions about NIL or the Opendorse platform at thebedfordagency@gmail.com
For more information about Bedford Agency’s partnership with Opendorse, click here.