Colgate University Athletics

In April 2020, the NCAA Board of Governors took action to initiate the modernization of name, image, and likeness ('NIL') rules for student-athletes, guided by principles previously set forth in October 2019. At that time, all three NCAA divisions adopted interim policy rules to be effective in July 2021, and since then, the legislative landscape has continued to evolve. New regulations were formally adopted in June 2025 - to be effective July 1, 2025 - by the NCAA Board of Directors in order to effectuate the application of the settlement of the House, Hubbard, and Carter cases ('Settlement'), updated NCAA Bylaw 22 [Name, Image and Likeness Activities], and to establish NCAA Bylaw 23 [Designated Enforcement Entity and Neutral Arbitration Process], as appropriate. 

Colgate University supports the opportunities available to student-athletes in the pursuit of these activities and recognizes the need for them to be adequately informed supported should they wish to pursue them. The University also stands firm in the need to maintain institutional control of intercollegiate athletics and ensure full compliance with all applicable NCAA, CSC, state, and federal regulations regarding athletics. 

In service of both these aims, the Colgate University Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) Policy was implemented on October 25th, 2021, and most recently updated in August 2025. The full policy language can be found here. 

The defining principles and priorities that will continue to shape the University's policy are:

1. The enrichment of the student-athlete experience. Any university NIL policy and related support efforts must be integrated into existing models of academic exploration, career development and student-athlete development already present at the institution. 
2. Equitable support of student-athletes pursuing NIL opportunities. Support and resources provided by the institution for student-athletes interested in NIL opportunities must be done so equitably. Although ultimately most of these opportunities will rely on individual accountability and exist independent of Athletics staff, all departmental programming and educational opportunities to help navigate these new changes shall be offered equitably to all student-athletes.
3. Continued review and responsiveness. The Athletics Department will continue to offer ongoing opportunities for student-athletes and staff to provide feedback and evaluation opportunities of this policy and support resources. Additionally, the policy will remain dynamic and responsive to change as ongoing state, federal, NCAA, and CSC guidance is received.

We encourage all student-athletes and members of the Colgate community to explore the information included in this NIL section for more information and regularly check back for relevant updates.