NIL stands for “Name, Image, and Likeness.” An NIL activity involves the use of a student-athlete’s name, image, or likeness for promotional purposes by a third-party not associated with U of M.

• 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

Local and national companies, U of M donors, U of M alumni, and former student-athletes may compensate and partner with U of M student-athletes for NIL activities. U of M staff members may not compensate student-athletes for NIL activities.

Generally, all NIL activities are permitted, so long as they follow these 4 guidelines:

• The NIL agreement is quid pro quo (e.g., compensation for work performed)
• The NIL compensation is not contingent upon enrollment at a particular school
• The compensation is not based on athletic participation or achievement
• Institutions do not provide compensation in exchange for the use of a student-athlete’s NIL

NCAA rules also require student-athletes to follow their state law or institutional policy if there is no existing state law governing NIL activities.

Student-athletes may engage at NIL activities at any time except while participating in required team-related activities, ICA-related activities, and U of M functions.

Opendorse is an online platform that will connect 901 Fund and student-athletes, provide compliance reporting to the U of M and NCAA, and forward funds to student-athletes after they have completed their NIL obligation.

It is intended that 85% of all collected funds would be paid out to student-athletes.  The remaining funds will be used to cover fundraising expenses, Opendorse platform fees, and various administrative expenses.  

• There will be a Board of Trustees; its purpose will be to organize the entity, raise the funds, and review and ratify annual audits.
• The Board of Trustees has engaged Centerline Business Services to administer the Opendorse account, manage the accounting for the fund, support the annual audit, coordinate with partner charities, as well as manage public relations.
  
• All services provided by Centerline will be in the form of an in-kind donation to 901 Fund. The Trustees will not be paid by the Fund for ANY purpose in furtherance of the NIL activities.

The players will perform a variety of services including, but not limited to: in-person appearances, autographing memorabilia, and posting on social media.  The players’ NIL rights cannot compete with any U of M interests.

No, 901 Fund is a stand-alone organization. We have applied for a 501c3*, Tennessee Not for Profit Corporation and awaiting approval. It is independent of the University of Memphis and the Tiger Scholarship Fund; however, we have a similar objective of serving University of Memphis student-athletes.

No, our agreements are intentionally non-exclusive to enable student-athletes to continue to build their brand with opportunities outside the 901 Fund.

We are building a program to allow individuals and businesses to contribute to the 901 Fund to support the funding of non-exclusive NIL deals with U of M student-athletes.

901 Fund is applying to be a non-profit organization pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code. Your donation to 901 Fund may qualify for an income tax deduction in accordance with Federal and/or State income tax laws. Please consult with your tax advisor to determine whether your donation is tax deductible in whole or in part. Nothing in this communication is intended to constitute legal or tax advice.

Visit for more information on NIL policies and how to engage student-athletes directly.