Third-Party Licensees

The University of Arkansas Department of Athletics is proud to announce that our Razorback student-athletes will have the ability to utilize their name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights to receive compensation beginning on July 1, 2021. Beginning January 1, 2022, Razorback student-athletes will follow the Arkansas Student-Athlete Publicity Rights Act (Ark. Code Ann. ยง 4-75-13).

In order to keep our student-athletes safe and in good standing with the UA and the NCAA, below, we have compiled guidelines for third-party licensees (businesses, brands, etc.), as well as Frequently Asked Questions that will help to prepare third-party licensees to begin connecting and working with our student-athletes.

REQUIREMENTS

CONFLICTS

FAQs

How can my business connect with a student-athlete and/or a group of student-athletes?
Contact Justin Johnson (jjjohns@uark.edu), or the Office of Athlete Brand Development (flagship@uark.edu) for more information.

Which companies can Razorback student-athletes partner with?
Arkansas student-athletes are permitted to contract with any company outside of those in the restricted classes (tobacco, alcohol, etc.), and those that conflict with any exclusive partners/sponsors of the UA. (There may be a very small group of opportunities to contract with some companies that conflict with exclusive partners, but such exceptions would need to be admitted by the Senior Associate Athletics Director for Athlete Brand Development and Inclusive Excellence).

What if my company conflicts with an exclusive partner/sponsor of the UA? Can I still reach out to student-athletes?
For any questions regarding sponsorship conflicts, contact Justin Johnson (jjjohns@uark.edu), the Office of Athlete Brand Development (flagship@uark.edu) or Jeri Thorpe (jthorpe@uark.edu).

May a booster or fan who owns a business or company enter into an NIL agreement with a student-athlete?
Yes, the agreement must be disclosed to the UA at least 72 hours prior to being executed and include: the term of the agreement; compensation amounts or value of any products or services to be received; parties to the agreement; and type of endorsement, services or obligations to be provided. Agreements may not be tied to performance or lack of performance in an athletic competition or recruiting inducements.

Any other questions should be directed to Justin Johnson (jjjohns@uark.edu), Director of Student-Athlete Development.

DISCLAIMER

Nothing in this information can or should be considered legal advice and represents in no way the UA representing student-athletes in the commercial use of their publicity rights.

The UA has a cause of action against an athlete agent or third-party licensee if the UA or the student-athlete is adversely affected by an actor or omission of the athlete agent, third-party licensee, or anyone acting on behalf of them in violation of the Arkansas Student-Athlete Publicity Rights Act.