University of Hawai'i at Manoa Athletics

What is NIL?
 

Name, Image, and Likeness, or "NIL," refers to a student-athlete's ability to earn compensation from third parties using their personal brand. Student-athletes can earn compensation from outside sources, subject to institutional policies, without affecting their eligibility to compete or receive athletic scholarships.

What Does NIL Include?

NIL activities can encompass a wide range of opportunities, including, but not limited to:

• Social Media Promotions and Influencer Activities
• Monetization of Social Media Presence
• Endorsements and Sponsorships
• Entrepreneurial Ventures
• Engaging in Commercial Opportunities
• Appearances and Autograph Sessions
• Sports Camps and Private Lessons

Student-Athlete Resources & Opportunities

INFLCR (Go Bows Exchange)

The University of Hawai'i, in collaboration with Teamworks Influencer, has launched the GO BOWS Exchange, a cutting-edge platform designed to facilitate Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) partnerships between UH student-athletes and businesses, donors, alumni, and other interested parties. 

As a pioneer in the NIL space, the University of Hawai'i has a proven track record of innovative partnerships and educational opportunities for its student-athletes. The GO BOWS Exchange builds upon this success by providing a streamlined platform for connecting businesses with talented UH athletes. 

By registering on the GO BOWS Exchange, businesses can easily search, filter, and initiate conversations with student-athletes to explore potential NIL collaborations. This unique opportunity allows businesses to tap into the global reach and influence of UH's student-athletes. 

Don't miss out on this chance to partner with UH's talented athletes and contribute to their success. Visit the GO BOWS Exchange today to get started. 

Rainbow Collective

The Rainbow Collective: Empowering Athletes, Driving Success 

The Rainbow Collective is our local collective partner dedicated to empowering University of Hawai'i student-athletes and positioning Hawai'i sports for continued success in the evolving landscape of college athletics. Through the Rainbow Collective, passionate fans and business owners can directly support our student-athletes and contribute to the growth of Hawai'i athletics. 

By joining the Rainbow Collective or partnering with our athletes, you're helping to ensure that our winning ways continue for years to come. Your support plays a vital role in providing our student-athletes with the resources they need to excel both on and off the field.

Braddahhood Grindz & Sistahhood Grindz

Braddahhood and Sistahhood Grindz is a comprehensive program designed to support University of Hawai'i (UH) student-athletes in their academic and athletic pursuits. Established in 2022 by local entrepreneurs and restaurants, the program provides essential resources, including nutrition, career development, and mentorship. 

By offering these vital services, Braddahhood and Sistahhood Grindz aims to attract and retain top-tier athletes in the state. The program's emphasis on community and support has fostered a family-like atmosphere, where athletes feel valued and connected.

Professional Development / ClimbHI

Expanding Support for Student-Athletes: Braddahhood & Sistahhood Grindz and ClimbHI Partnership

In collaboration with Braddahhood & Sistahhood Grindz, we're expanding our commitment to supporting UH student-athletes beyond nutrition and mentorship. A key focus of our initiative is career & professional development, and we're thrilled to partner with ClimbHI to connect students with internships, jobs, and valuable industry insights. 

Through ClimbHI's platform, we'll be able to introduce student-athletes to potential employers, mentors, and learning opportunities. This will provide them with a solid foundation for their future, regardless of their post-collegiate aspirations. 

By prioritizing career development, we're empowering our student-athletes to succeed both on and off the field.

To learn more and get started please contact Julie Morikawa at julie@climbhi.org.

The BrandR Group

The NIL world can be a complex and ever-changing landscape. The Brandr Group specializes in helping student-athletes navigate this terrain with confidence.

Our full-service agency is dedicated to fair deals and responsible representation, ensuring that both the student-athlete and the university benefit from NIL partnerships. With a team of passionate sports enthusiasts, including former college and professional athletes, we understand the unique needs and aspirations of this community.

Let us help you harness the power of NIL and achieve your goals.
 

Fans, Donors & Business Owners

Hawai’i fans and supporters can participate in NIL activities involving student-athletes, provided they adhere to NCAA extra-benefit regulations. Please note that NCAA pay-for-play and extra benefit rules still apply in the NIL environment.

Key Points:

• No Compensation for Participation: Student-athletes cannot receive compensation or promises of compensation solely for participating in their sport.
• Collectives and Boosters: Third-party NIL groups or businesses (collectives) and their associated individuals are considered Boosters. Boosters cannot be involved in recruiting prospective student-athletes or guaranteeing NIL deals.
• Hawai’i Athletics Staff Involvement: Hawai’i Athletics staff and coaches cannot participate in any aspect of a collective's operations or secure NIL deals for current or prospective student-athletes.

Connecting with Student-Athletes: INFLCR

INFLCR is a leading platform that empowers athletic programs and athletes to navigate the NIL landscape. With INFLCR, you can connect with student-athletes, manage NIL deals, and ensure compliance with NCAA regulations.

Go Bows Exchange

The [Go Bows Exchange Name] is a dedicated NIL business registry designed to connect businesses, donors, alumni, and other interested parties with student-athletes. Registered businesses can search, filter, and initiate conversations with student-athletes to discuss NIL deals. Once a deal is finalized, the Go Bows Exchange facilitates transactions and disclosures through the INFLCR Verified Compliance Ledger. 

NIL Policies & Guidelines at Hawai’i

NCAA Policy

NCAA rules allow athletes to receive compensation for use of their NIL; however, NIL activities may not be used to compensate an athlete for athletics participation or achievement (i.e., pay-for-play). NIL activity is any activity that involves the commercial use of an individual’s name, image or likeness to advertise or endorse the sale or use of a product or service. Name, image and likeness compensation must:

1. Include quid pro quo (e.g., compensation for work performed);
2. Not be contingent upon initial or continued enrollment at a particular institution; and
3. Not be in return for athletics participation or achievement.

Hawai’i Athletics Policies

Hawai’i Athletics has implemented policies and procedures to ensure compliance with NIL rules and regulations, clarify student-athletes' rights, and maintain their eligibility.

Key Points:

• NIL is Not Pay for Play: NIL may not be used to compensate student-athletes for athletics participation or achievement.
• Institutional Involvement: Institutions may not compensate student-athletes for the use of their NIL.
• Licensing: Student-athletes must secure licensing agreements prior to using University or Department related marks and logos (e.g., apparel, uniforms, facilities, etc.)
• Academic Priorities: NIL opportunities should not interfere with class or other academic commitments.
• Prohibited Sponsorship Categories: NCAA rules prohibit student-athletes from entering into NIL agreements with gambling/sports wagering vendors as well as any vendors associated with athletic performance enhancing drugs.
• Disclosure Requirements: Student-athletes must disclose all NIL agreements through the Influencer application within 30 days of entering into the agreement.

Remember:  These guidelines are designed to help student-athletes maximize their NIL opportunities while maintaining their eligibility and complying with all applicable laws and regulations.

For more information, please contact:

Wilverto Tavarez, Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance, at tavarez@hawaii.edu or (808) 956-4509.

International Student-Athletes and NIL Opportunities

International student-athletes may face restrictions when participating in NIL activities due to potential impacts on their visa or work status. It's crucial to consult with the Office of International Student Services to confirm that NIL activities will not jeopardize your visa status.

Earnings for International Student-Athletes

International students, including student-athletes, generally cannot work while physically present in the United States. This includes virtual or digital work for American or foreign companies.

However, there are exceptions:

• Home Country Work: International student-athletes may engage in NIL activities and receive compensation while in their home country during breaks or holidays.
• Consult with International Programs Office: It's recommended to consult with your school's office of international programs for specific guidance on NIL activities and your visa status.

Remember: Always prioritize compliance with immigration regulations to ensure a smooth and successful experience as an international student-athlete.