The Arizona EDGE Business Exchange is a student-athlete NIL business registry, custom-designed for businesses, donors, alumni, and any other interested NIL dollars wishing to connect with University of Arizona student athletes. Registered businesses can search, filter and initiate conversations with University of Arizona student-athletes to discuss an NIL deal. Once the NIL deal between a registered business and your student-athlete is completed, the business will use the Arizona Edge Exchange to create a transaction that will produce a direct payment to the student-athlete (without any transaction fee) and automate a disclosure to the University of Arizona INFLCR Verified Compliance Ledger. The institution does not have to get involved in the deal and all transactions within the local exchange are consolidated into one 1099 at the end of the year for easier tax reporting purposes for registered businesses and athletes.

As of July 1, 2021, student-athletes competing in NCAA intercollegiate athletics are permitted to receive compensation for the use of their name, image or likeness (NIL) for commercial activities, including endorsements through traditional and social media, appearances, entrepreneurial activities, in-kind deals, autographs and more, in accordance with NCAA guidelines and University of Arizona NIL protocols. The following information in intended to provide some answers to general questions from student-athletes, business owners, fans, boosters, and employees of The University of Arizona.

Through Arizona EDGE, a comprehensive educational program developed by the University of Arizona, student-athletes receive help developing their personal brand and are offered tools necessary to contract with a company and manage the business side of their NIL brand assets. The Arizona EDGE program focuses on skills including personal brand management, business development, financial literacy, networking as well as aspects of business law to optimize the decision-making process and enhance their NIL opportunities. For more information visit www.ArizonaWildcats.com/EDGE.

Yes. This is subject to the University of Arizona NIL protocols. Before entering such a contract, the student-athlete is required to disclose any proposed contract for use of their NIL to the athletics compliance office. Please note, it is possible, and likely, that federal laws and NCAA legislation could change NIL governance and rules.

You can begin by contacting the student-athlete directly through their social media accounts, many of which can be found on their bio pages on www.ArizonaWildcats.com. Another option for potential contact information is the University’s public phonebook.

If you are not able to connect directly with a student-athlete, you may also email AZEdge@Arizona.edu  and the information will be routed by compliance to the student-athlete for their consideration.

University of Arizona employees, including coaches and members of the athletics department are not permitted to negotiate NIL contracts or activities for student-athletes; however, they may help connect student-athletes and prospective employers and are allowed to forward information about legitimate NIL opportunities to student-athletes.

No.

No. Any activity organized by the University of Arizona – including but not limited to games, press conferences, practices, fan events, road trips and meetings – is considered an official team activity. As an example, a student-athlete at a press conference or fan event may not be compensated for a social media post or their autograph because the student-athlete is engaged in an official team activity.

No.

University of Arizona employees, including coaches and members of the athletics department, may facilitate opportunities for student-athletes to participate in NIL activities, but they may not negotiate deals or contracts.

The University of Arizona NIL protocols are applicable to prospective and current student-athletes. Anyone interested in opportunities with former student-athletes should contact them directly.

A student-athlete may not wear and/or promote any apparel other than Nike while participating in official team activities.

Yes. Limitations include:

• Compensation for NIL use shall be commensurate with market value.
• Student-athletes are not permitted to enter an endorsement contract or otherwise receive compensation from any of the following categories or brands: alcohol; drug use (including dispensaries); pornography; adult entertainment; sports wagering; and/or any other activity or entity that could cause harm to the reputation and/or interests of the university.
• If the student-athletes is not a US citizen and the student-athletes visa generally prohibits employment
• In exchange for property owned by the University of Arizona (e.g., current jersey or equipment)
• Conflict with institutional agreements held the University of Arizona

Official University of Arizona trademarks and logos, including photos of student-athletes in uniform, may only be used with prior written approval and a licensing agreement with the University of Arizona office of trademarks and licensing (which may include royalty or licensing fees). Here’s how to Get Licensed. Contact licensing@email.arizona.edu with questions. University of Arizona facilities may not be used without prior written approval and a University Facility Use Agreement.

Your NIL partnership with a student-athlete is a separate agreement and has no impact on your Wildcat Club membership and/or annual giving level. Your personal agreement with a student-athlete is not considered a donation. Consult with your tax advisor if your business agreement with the student-athlete is tax deductible.

Your agreement with the student-athlete is a direct relationship between you and the student-athlete. The terms, time to implement, fulfillment, compensation/payments and all aspects of the agreement are managed between you and the student-athlete.

Participation in NIL activities in violation of NCAA legislation or the University of Arizona NIL protocols may affect the student-athlete’s eligibility for NCAA competition. You are encouraged to consult with the University of Arizona Athletics Office of Compliance ica-compliance@email.arizona.edu prior to engaging in NIL activities that involve Arizona student-athletes.

Any NIL agreement is a partnership between the business and the student-athlete, so you should contact the student-athlete or their personal representative directly with questions or concerns.

Learfield Arizona Wildcat Sports Properties. Learfield is the exclusive rights holder for sponsorship opportunities and advertising with Arizona Athletics, including in-venue signage, consumer promotions and official partnerships.

Yes. Contact ica-compliance@email.arizona.edu.