Archive · 15 Sep 2025
Ivy League Tightens Rules for Athlete NIL Deals
The Ivy League, known for schools like Harvard and Yale, is making sure it's not paying athletes directly.
They're now checking to ensure they didn't help with deals where athletes get money for their name, image, and likeness (NIL), especially if those deals are worth over $2,000.
While some colleges pay athletes, the Ivy League doesn't.
They offer financial aid based on a family's income, not athletic ability.
All Division I athletes must report NIL deals over $600 to a clearinghouse.
Ivy League athletic directors are signing papers to show they aren't asking donors to pay athletes.
They want to emphasize that athletes are students first, focusing on education.
Ivy League athletic departments are increasing paperwork for athlete NIL deals over $2,000.
The Ivy League schools opted out of the recent federal settlement concerning athlete payments.
All Division I athletes must report NIL deals of $600 or more to a clearinghouse.
Ivy League schools do not offer athletic scholarships, providing financial aid based on need.
Dartmouth sees athletics as primarily educational.
- Who
- Ivy League athletic departments.
- What
- Are implementing stricter rules on athlete NIL deals.
- When
- At the start of the year (referring to opting out of the settlement), and ongoing.
- Where
- At Ivy League universities, including Harvard and Yale.
- Why
- To avoid direct involvement in compensating athletes and comply with NIL rules.
- Policy
- Attestations of independence for NIL deals over $2,000.
- Schools Involved
- Harvard, Yale, and other Ivy League schools.
- NCAA Settlement
- Ivy League opted out of making direct payments to athletes.
- Financial Aid
- Based on family need and income, not athletic scholarships.
- NIL Clearinghouse
- All Division I athletes must report deals of $600+.