UF Office of Public Policy Events to hold talk on Name, Image, and Likeness

The University of Florida is hosting a free panel discussion about name, image and likeness (NIL) and its impact on college athletes and the larger athletics community at 4 p.m. Monday, March 31 at the Levin College of Law, Holland Hall 180.

The event will be led by the UF Office of Public Policy Events — in partnership with the University Athletic Association and the Levin College of Law.

Adopted by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in 2021, NIL refers to an athlete’s ability to profit from their personal brand, allowing college athletes to earn compensation through endorsements, sponsorships, social media, and other business ventures while maintaining their eligibility to compete in collegiate sports.

This conversation will bring together university administrators, legal experts and industry professionals to discuss how NIL opportunities are shaping collegiate athletics, athletes, and campus communities.  

Panelists will explain what NIL really is, its immediate impacts, and share insights on topics such as financial literacy, brand building, NCAA regulations and the challenges of balancing athletic commitments with new business ventures. 

Moderated by Steve McClain, senior associate athletics director of strategic communications and broadcast productions for the University Athletics Association, the discussion will also address the broader implications of NIL on recruitment, competitive balance and the future of amateurism in college sports and focus on the influence college athletics will have on the traditional campus experience.

Designed to be a candid and thought-provoking discussion on the future of collegiate athletics, panel experts include UF Athletics Director Scott Stricklin, UF Deputy Athletics Director Amy Hass, sports journalist Andy Staples, and UF Assistant Athletics Director for Creative Media and Branding for the Gator Athletics Program Kevin Camps.

A reception with the panelists will immediately follow the event. Faculty, students, staff, and community members are encouraged to attend. The event will be recorded and posted online at publicpolicyevents.ufl.edu.