Student athletes can now be paid for marketing endeavors, and we must help the University of Illinois be at the pinnacle of this marketplace.

Since July 1, 2021, Illinois’ Student-Athlete Endorsement Rights Act, allows student-athletes to enter commercial contracts to obtain compensation in exchange for various activities involving the use of their name, image, likeness or voice.  Student-athletes may enter contracts to appear for autograph signings, to advertise products, to conduct workshops with local school or youth organizations, to post personalized video greetings, and for other such activities.  

Such NIL opportunities cannot be tied to athletic performance and are not administered through the university. Therefore, Illini Guardians serves to liaise between the student-athletes and their potential NIL opportunities. The Illini Guardians’ goal is to ensure that University of Illinois student-athletes have unmatched economic and business opportunities, to be guided by the integrity, innovation, and highest character deserving of both a nationally renowned program, and their supporters.   We need your help to fuel the NIL opportunities that will allow Illinois athletics to compete and thrive!