CONNECT. SUPPORT. INSPIRE.
Back in the summer of 2021, the rules changed. Student-athletes could finally monetize and profit from their name, image and likeness (NIL).
Now it’s time to change the game. This is the chance for Crusaders fans to support their favorite student-athletes while receiving exclusive access and benefits. The Mount St. James Collective was created with the goal of supporting student-athletes at the College of the Holy Cross by facilitating legal and compliant NIL opportunities as well as helping those athletes prepare for the future.
Join Us
The Mount St. James Collective provides fans and supporters with access to their favorite student-athletes through contributions. Contributions to The Mount St. James Collective will be dispersed to the student-athletes allowing them to receive legal compensation for their NIL.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS NIL?
NIL stands for “Name, Image, and Likeness" specifically referring to the use of an athlete’s NIL through marketing and promotional endeavors. Student-athletes at NCAA institutions could begin monetizing their NIL beginning on July 1, 2021.
WHAT ARE THE NCAA RULES REGARDING NIL?
Generally speaking, all NIL activities are permitted, as they follow these four guidelines:
- There must be quid pro quo attached to an NIL deal essentially requiring a student-athlete to do an activity in order to receive compensation.
- That activity cannot be tied to athletic performance such as statistical achievements, wins, or awards.
- That activity cannot be contingent upon the student-athlete committing to the university that the collective supports or tied to enrollment.
- Institutions do not provide compensation in exchange for the use of a student-athlete’s NIL.
NCAA rules also require student-athletes to follow their state law or institutional policy if there is no existing state law governing NIL activities.
WHAT IS AN NIL ACTIVITY?
An NIL activity involves the use of a student-athlete’s name, image, or likeness for promotional purposes by a third-party not associated with the NCAA or an NCAA institution such as:
- Social media influencing and other promotions
- Personal appearances at businesses, conferences, camps, parties
- TV ads, radio ads, print ads
- Endorsements of a third-party
- Student-athlete-run camps and private lessons
- Autographs
- Sale of student-athlete owned apparel and personal items
- Student-athlete run businesses
WHO DOES THE MOUNT ST. JAMES COLLECTIVE WORK WITH?
The Mount St. James Collective works with student-athletes from the College of the Holy Cross.
HOW WILL PAYMENTS BE MADE TO THE PLAYERS?
The Mount St. James Collective utilizes Opendorse, the leading operating software provider for collectives. This software allows student-athletes the ability to provide compliance reporting to College of the Holy Cross which can be accessed by the athletic department and to the NCAA (if requested) as well as serves as the way to distribute funds to student-athletes after they have completed their NIL obligation.
DOES MASSACHUSETTS HAVE AN NIL STATE LAW?
No.
DOES COLLEGE OF THE HOLY CROSS HAVE AN NIL POLICY?
Yes - click here to view the NIL Policy of the Holy Cross Crusaders.
IS THE MOUNT ST. JAMES COLLECTIVE AN ENTITY OF THE COLLEGE OF THE HOLY CROSS?
No - Although endorsed by Holy Cross Athletics, the Mount St. James Collective is organized and operated by Shift Group and First Team Sports Consulting.
ARE CONTRACTS WITH STUDENT-ATHLETES EXCLUSIVE?
No – our agreements are intentionally non-exclusive to enable student-athletes to continue to build their brand with opportunities outside of The Mount St. James Collective.
WHAT PERCENTAGE OF CONTRIBUTIONS GO TO THE ATHLETES?
We strive to keep our operating costs as low as possible so that 90% of the contributions can be paid out to student-athletes. Any remaining funds will be used to cover fundraising expenses, deal facilitation, and various administrative expenses.
How will the Mount St. James Collective be governed and administered?
The Mount St. James Collective has engaged Shift Group and First Team Sports Consulting who will lead this venture, raise funds, conduct annual audits, manage the Opendorse account, as well as oversee public relations.
Does the Mount St. James Collective work with prospective student-athletes?
No - The Mount St. James Collective will not meet with, contact, offer an agreement to any prospective student-athlete in compliance with NIL standards. Until a student-athlete has signed their athletic aid commitment letter and/or the institution has received a deposit of financial aid, they will not be contacted by the Mount St. James Collective.
IS MY CONTRIBUTION TAX DEDUCTIBLE?
The Mount St. James Collective is a registered LLC and, as such, contributions are not tax deductible.
For further questions, please contact us.