NEWS

 

DAVIDSON, N.C. – Wednesday afternoon, the Department of Athletics launched the Davidson Wildcat Exchange, a portal that will allow for local businesses, donors, alumni and other interested entities to connect and engage with Davidson College scholar-athletes as they pursue Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) opportunities.

The service is in partnership with INFLCR, a leading athlete brand-building and NIL business management app for athletic organizations.

“We are thrilled to support our scholar-athletes in this Name, Image and Likeness era,” commented Davidson Director of Athletics Chris Clunie. “This expanded partnership with INFLCR provides a unique platform that makes the NIL process more streamlined, more efficient and more impactful. The Davidson community already does so much to support our programs, and we hope those interested will join the Davidson Wildcat Exchange to provide more opportunities for our scholar-athletes.”

Interested entities can access the Davidson Wildcat Exchange and apply by clicking here. It is free to register. Neither Davidson College nor INFLCR receives any revenue from NIL transactions in the Davidson Wildcat Exchange – all compliance, payments and tax considerations are managed in the app by the scholar-athlete and the business.

Below is additional information on the Davidson Wildcat Exchange.

What is the Davidson Wildcat Exchange?

The Davidson Wildcat Exchange is a scholar-athlete NIL business registry, custom-designed for businesses, donors, alumni, and any other interested NIL dollars wishing to connect with scholar-athletes. Registered businesses can search, filter and initiate conversations with your scholar-athletes to discuss an NIL deal. Once the NIL deal between a registered business and your scholar -athlete is completed, the business will use the Davidson Wildcat Exchange to create a transaction that will produce a direct payment to the scholar -athlete and automate a disclosure to the INFLCR Verified Compliance Ledger. The institution does not have to get involved in the deal and all transactions within the local exchange are consolidated into one 1099 at the end of the year for easier tax reporting purposes for registered businesses and athletes.

FAQs:

What is Name, Image & Likeness?

As of July 1, 2021, scholar-athletes competing in NCAA intercollegiate athletics are permitted to receive compensation for the use of their name, image or likeness (NIL) for commercial activities, including endorsements through traditional and social media, appearances, entrepreneurial activities, in-kind deals, autographs and more, in accordance with NCAA guidelines and Davidson College NIL protocols.

Does the state of North Carolina have an NIL Policy?

No.  However, there is a current North Carolina Executive order:
Executive Order No 223 –  https://files.nc.gov/governor/documents/files/EO223-07022021-NIL.pdf

Can a College employee or coach help arrange a deal for an athlete?

No. College employees, including coaches and members of the athletics department, CANNOT negotiate deals or contracts. However, they can direct scholar-athletes to NIL-related opportunities on the Davidson Wildcat Exchange

Does the school or INFLCR take any revenue from NIL transactions in the Local Exchange?

No

Do you have to be an official college licensee to register?

No, but businesses will not be permitted to use College marks without approval. Third parties and Davidson personnel seeking to use the Davidson institutional mark, Davidson Athletics marks or any other protected trademarks for promoting non-educational events or for retail purposes must follow restrictions outlined in a licensing agreement administered by CLC. For information about athletic logos, spirit marks, and licensing, please contact Jordan Duncan, Director of Marketing & Licensing, Davidson College Athletics, at 704-894-2767 or [email protected].

Current Davidson NIL policy does not permit the use of Davidson College marks outside of their appearance on a scholar-athlete’s apparel, uniform, or in official photographs. 

Who approves your request to register?

Typically, compliance officers designated by the institution. If you have any questions about your approval, contact Katy McNay in the Davidson Athletics Compliance Office

Katy McNay, Sr. Associate Director of Athletics/SWA – [email protected]

How will I know when I am approved? 

You should receive an email from the institution verifying your approval. We don’t have specific numbers for how long it will take to get verified. Each institution works differently. 

When can I start contacting athletes and processing payments? 

After being approved by the school, you will be able to contact athletes and process payments.

Who can I speak with if I have additional questions?

Questions and inquiries can be directed to Katy McNay, Senior Associate Director of Athletics/Senior Woman Administrator – [email protected]