Massachusetts Athletics Unveils Name, Image and Likeness Plan

AMHERST, Mass. – As a result of the NCAA adopting a uniform interim policy suspending name, image and likeness (NIL) rules for all incoming and current student-athletes on July 1, 2021, Massachusetts Athletics announced on Friday the department’s plan surrounding NIL.

“In alignment with the strategic vision and core values of our athletics department, we fully support our student-athletes as they pursue individual opportunities to market themselves using their unique name, image and likeness,” said Director of Athletics Ryan Bamford. “Our plan is to equip our student-athletes with extensive educational programming and additional marketing resources so they may take advantage of corporate and other marketing opportunities available to them worldwide but especially in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.”

“Our comprehensive NIL management plan will also aim to maintain NCAA eligibility standards for our student-athletes so they can be fully immersed in academics and intercollegiate athletics at UMass while also navigating this new and exciting NIL landscape.”

University of Massachusetts student-athletes can now be contacted directly to arrange or discuss potential NIL agreements. With the new NCAA directive effective July 1, the UMass NIL plan is being unveiled to the university’s student-athletes and coaches in early July.

In addition to specifying the important opportunities, guidelines and limitations associated with this new age of intercollegiate athletics, the University of Massachusetts NIL Policy will also detail extensive educational opportunities that the department will provide for its student-athletes as well as key policy takeaways, frequently asked questions, and a quick guide to the new policy.