What is a Booster?
Any individual, independent agency, or corporate entity (including a local business) that is known to hold season tickets to UTRGV sporting events, promote UTRGV Athletics, or have made financial contributions to UTRGV Athletics or the Vaquero Athletic Fund.
What Is NIL?
The right of student-athletes to be compensated for the use of their name, image, and likeness in endorsements, promotions, appearances, and other commercial activities, in accordance with NCAA, state, and institutional policies.
How can a Business or Individual Engage in NIL Activities with Student-Athletes?
The Rally the Valley Exchange is a student-athlete NIL iregistry, designed for business, donors, alumni, and others wishing to connect with student-athletes. Registered businesses can search, filter and initiate conversations with student-athletes to discuss NIL deals.
What Activities can a Student-Athlete do to Make Money?
Student-athletes are allowed to participate in certain pre-approved NIL activities which include:
- Signing autographs for compensation
- Promoting their own business
- Promoting a corporate entity
- Make an appearance for compensation
What can Boosters NOT do?
There are certain activities that boosters are not allowed to engage in with current UTRGV student-athletes or any potential student-athletes, including:
- Payment cannot be given by institutional staff, directors, or agents
- Compensation must be commensurate with market value
- Use NIL deals to induce student-athletes to attend UTRGV
- Deals in alcohol, tobacco, gambling, and illegal substances
Questions?
For any questions, student-athletes and potential or current boosters are encouraged to contact the following staff members:
- Derek Schramm – Senior Associate Athletic Director/Chief Revenue Officer – (956) 665-3897 – derek.schramm@utrgv.edu
