Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) rules allow student-athletes to earn money when their name, image, or likeness is used, as long as they perform legitimate work or services in exchange for payment. They may not receive compensation that is directly tied to their athletic performance.  

We currently use Opendorse on our roster pages as a marketplace for NIL opportunities. Student-athletes create their profiles, set their own pricing, and manage potential deals through the platform. Opendorse handles all compliance functions, and the institution has the authority to approve or deny each transaction. This ensures we are aware of all agreements and can maintain NCAA compliance.

Additionally, any deal exceeding $600 must be processed through NIL Go, the national oversight group that verifies the agreement aligns with fair market value. It is important to note that payments made to athletes through NIL are not tax-deductible, as the payor is receiving something in return.

Furthermore, international students cannot participate in NIL activities conducted on U.S. soil. Under current immigration regulations, individuals on F-1 or other student visas are not permitted to engage in work within the United States.

We have had a few athletes secure NIL deals. Last year, two student-athletes partnered with North Country Savings Bank to appear in commercials and participate in autograph sessions. A few others are currently receiving in-kind benefits such as equipment. Overall, NIL opportunities have not been something most of our student-athletes actively pursue. 

The House v. NCAA Settlement represents one of the most significant shifts in college athletics. Its implications, financial, operational, and strategic, are substantial, and institutions were asked to make decisions with long-term effects on their athletic programs. After careful analysis, Clarkson University chose not to opt into the settlement at this time. The decision is rooted in three major components of the settlement and their direct impact on our programs: revenue sharing, roster limits, and university NIL compensation. Opting into the settlement would require the University to administer both revenue sharing and NIL compensation directly.

1. Revenue Sharing: No New NCAA Revenue for Clarkson - A common misconception is that opting into the settlement would result in new revenue streams distributed from the NCAA to member schools. This is not true. If Clarkson opted in, any revenue shared with athletes would have to come from our own existing revenue, including ticket sales and advertising/sponsorship income, funds that currently support our operational needs.

To meet revenue sharing obligations, Clarkson would need to create entirely new revenue streams. Opting in would therefore strain existing budgets and potentially compromise the high quality experience we provide to our student-athletes.

2. Roster Limits: A Significant Competitive Disadvantage - Opting in to the settlement imposes strict roster limits of 26 athletes per team for both men's and women's hockey, regardless of scholarship status or walk-on designation.
This presents two significant challenges:

• With the NCAA's November 2024 decision allowing Major Junior players to join NCAA teams, roster flexibility is now more important than ever.
• Clarkson's current recruiting commitments require additional roster spots to meet the incoming talent pipeline for both programs.
• Adopting the settlement's roster limits would force us to cut or block committed players, undermine team development, and jeopardize our ability to compete at a national level.

3. University NIL Compensation: Resource Intensive and Costly - Under the court settlement, universities are permitted to directly compensate athletes through NIL agreements. While this may be beneficial for some institutions, it would require:

• Significant new revenue beyond our current resources
• Additional staffing to manage compliance with NCAA rules
• Specialized oversight to ensure alignment with federal immigration laws particularly important because international athletes on F-1 visas cannot participate in NIL activities conducted on U.S. soil

Without the infrastructure and financial capacity to support these requirements responsibly, opting in would place undue strain on the university. Clarkson University has always invested heavily in hockey. It remains a cornerstone of our institutional identity, and we are deeply committed to maintaining championship caliber programs. Our decision not to opt in does not diminish our support it simply reflects the most responsible path forward for long-term success.

Hockey Academic Advancement Fund
We are prioritizing fundraising for the newly established Hockey Academic Advancement Fund, which provides up to $5,980 annually to student-athletes who make strong academic progress and are committed to completing their degrees at Clarkson. This fund directly supports retention, academic achievement, and student-athlete well-being, without the financial and regulatory burdens associated with opting into the settlement.
NIL Opportunities
Our coaching staff remains committed to recruiting players who genuinely want to be part of Clarkson. At the same time, we recognize that NIL opportunities can play an important role in attracting top-tier athletes when needed. NIL support will continue to be part of our national competitiveness strategy, independent of the House Settlement.

Looking Ahead: Annual Review and Strategic Adaptation
While Clarkson chose not to opt in at this time, this decision is not permanent. We will reassess our position annually as the national landscape evolves and as we evaluate the financial and competitive realities facing college hockey.

Our goal is simple: to elevate our hockey programs, empower our student-athletes to excel academically and athletically, and honor the legacy and brand equity built through more than a century of excellence and millions of dollars of investment.

 

To support any of our current Golden Knights, please visit our OpenDorse Marketplace
https://opendorse.com/clarkson-golden-knights

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