State of Montana statutes and NCAA DII legislation allows that student‐athletes may profit from the use of their name, image, and likeness (NIL).
The following policy will apply to all NIL activities at Montana State University Billings.
Policy Updated 8.19.25
DOWNLOAD THE MSUB ATHLETICS NIL POLICY (updated 8.19.25)
DOWNLOAD THE NIL INFO SHEET
NIL DISCLOSURE FORM
TRADEMARK, NAME, PHOTOGRAPH REQUEST FORM
Key Policy Points:
1. A student-athlete may earn compensation for the use of their name, image, and likeness as long as:
- The compensation is not provided in exchange for athletics performance (i.e. pay to play)
- The compensation (or prospective compensation) is not provided as a recruiting inducement
- The compensation is commensurate to market value
- The compensation is not provided by or on behalf of a MSUB employee or contractor
2. An Athletics Department or University employee is permitted to pair a student-athlete with a company seeking a student-athlete for an NIL opportunity; so long as the student-athlete retains independent authority over the specific terms and final decision of the agreement. Any student-athlete that does not wish to have their information shared with potential NIL partners must opt-out via email to the MSUB Athletics Compliance Office.
3. A student-athlete is prohibited from participating in NIL activities while engaged in athletic department activities (i.e. signing autographs during an institutionally arranged team meet and greet; promoting third parties or displaying third party branding during an athletic department event).
4. In connection with any use of the student-athlete’s name, image and/or likeness or any other commercial endeavor, the student-athlete
shall not use the University name or trademarks, wear display University branded apparel, or make reference, in any way, to the University without the University’s express written permission in each case, and the student-athlete shall not purport to grant to any third party any such rights to do so. This applies to all mediums including but not limited to digital content, printed materials, statements, and apparel or merchandise.
- Requests to use University intellectual property, such as the name, trademarks, official photographs, etc. can be submitted via the request form below.
- The use of MSUB marks/logos/photos will not be permitted for NIL opportunities with businesses that do not currently partner with MSUB Yellowjacket Athletics Corporate Partner program.
- Co-branded apparel (such as a uniform with student-athlete’s name and number on it) can only be produced through CLC Licensed vendors with vendor approval from Athletics Administration. See a
list of licensed vendors or learn more about the
CLC license application process.
- Student-athletes must request permission to use University photographs (i.e. head shots or game photos) for any NIL activity.
5. Student-athletes must discuss any potential NIL activities that involve restricted sponsorship categories with Athletics Administration
prior to signing the agreement. Restricted sponsorship categories will not be allowed to use the University name or trademarks, wear/display University branded apparel, or make reference, in any way to the University.
Restricted sponsorship categories include but are not limited to the following industries:
- Tobacco
- Gambling/Sports Wagering
- Alcohol
- Adult Entertainment
- Recreational/Medical Marijuana
- Performance Enhancing Drugs or NCAA Banned Supplements
- Firearms/Weapons
- Political, Religious, Activist Groups or Organizations
6. If a student-athlete establishes any agreement that inappropriately uses University brand/marks/photos, in an industry under the Restricted Sponsorship Categories, in conflict with a University sponsorship agreement, or violating any part of this NIL policy;
the student-athlete is subject to a reduction or cancelation of athletically related financial aid as disclosed in the student-athlete’s institutional financial aid agreement and/or removal from the team.
The Select Key Policy Points Above are NOT All Inclusive. View the Full NIL Policy For Expanded Details.
The University reserves the right to adjust guidelines based on any guidance provided by Montana law, the Montana Governor, the Montana Board of Regents, the Montana University System, the NCAA or University Administration.
Important Reminders:
1. Disclosure of NIL activities to the Athletic Department is
required by Montana Law (Senate Bill 248)
- A written and signed contract between the student-athlete and all involved parties must be included with the disclosure documents (per Senate Bill 482)
- A student-athlete must complete the disclosure form below describing the NIL activity within seven (7) days of signing the agreement and before the activity occurs.
2. Participating in NIL activities may impact a student-athlete’s ability to receive grant sums from outside sources (i.e. Pell Grant) or may affect the amount of aid a student-athlete is eligible to receive. The student-athlete should discuss these implications with an institutional financial aid staff member or professional service.
3. All NIL activities are taxable. Any renumeration from your NIL activities may have local and federal tax implications, please keep detailed records and consult with a tax professional.
4. International student-athletes should not enter into any NIL agreements without guidance from the MSUB Office of International Studies
5. Student-athletes must request to use University trademarks, brand, or photographs using the request form below. Allow adequate time for review, including any required revisions.
Resources:
For questions regarding this policy, NIL legislation, or any other related matters please contact the MSUB Athletics Compliance Office at (406) 657-2282.
For questions about facility usage/rental please contact MSUB Athletics Operations at (406) 657-2360
For additional information about the use of MSUB trademarks & logos, licensed vendors, as well as all current Athletic Department contracts and sponsorships contact MSUB Athletics Marketing at (406) 896-5934.
