Texas Tech University Athletics
NIL Education Overview
Education from Texas Tech Athletics
This quick-reference summarizes what is permitted (“OK”) and what is not permitted (“NOT OK”) regarding external Name, Image & Likeness (NIL) activities, Texas Tech revenue-share opportunities, student-athlete employment, and extra benefits. For specific situations, please contact the Athletics Compliance Office.
OK — External Name, Image & Likeness (NIL)
- The College Sports Commission requires student-athletes to disclose all external (non-institutional) NIL deals valued at $600 or more to NIL Go within 5 days of execution of the contract or payment terms.
- NIL Go is a national clearinghouse responsible for evaluating all Division I student-athlete NIL deals.
- The NIL agreement is evaluated by NIL Go to determine the payor association, valid business purpose, and range of compensation (whether the payment to the student-athlete is commensurate with rates and terms paid to similarly situated individuals).
- The NIL compensation (cash or non-cash benefits) should not be paid to the student-athlete until the agreement is approved by NIL Go.
- If the agreement is not approved by NIL Go, the agreement may be cancelled or revised and provided to NIL Go.
OK — Texas Tech Revenue Share (House Settlement)
- The House Settlement allows institutions to directly execute licensing deals with student-athletes to promote the institution and its athletes. The amount is capped at $20.5 million for 2025–26. Each sport is provided with a benefit pool and has the discretion on allocations within the sport.
- Examples of student-athlete NIL utilized to promote the institution include: Fundraising, Ticketing, Partnerships, Marketing, and Fan Engagement.
OK — Student-Athlete Employment (Non-NIL)
- Employment of a student-athlete is not NIL and is not required to be disclosed to NIL Go.
- Compensation for employment may be paid to a student-athlete for work actually performed and at the going rate in the locality.
- To preserve eligibility, documentation such as timesheets and/or paystubs may be requested.
- Student-athletes must report employment to the Athletics Compliance Office.
NOT OK — Extra Benefits to Student-Athletes
- Accepting cash or gifts from boosters or fans.
- Payment for work not actually performed or higher than the going rate for similar services.
- Any special arrangement not offered to the general public or Texas Tech University student body.
- Applies to student-athletes and their families.
- Examples: Free or discounted meals and drinks, concert tickets, car, or housing.
ACCEPTING AN EXTRA BENEFIT, KNOWINGLY OR UNKNOWINGLY, IS A VIOLATION OF NCAA RULES AND CAN JEOPARDIZE ELIGIBILITY.