Welcome to San Diego NIL
At the University of San Diego, NIL isn’t just about deals—it’s about opportunity. Whether you're a student-athlete looking to build your brand, a business ready to connect with the next generation, or a fan wanting to make an impact, NIL is your lane. This site is your hub for everything Name, Image, and Likeness at USD—what it is, how it works, and how Toreros are making the most of it every day.
NIL compensation refers to the ability for student-athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL) while maintaining their eligibility to play college sports. NIL is an activity that involves the use of a student-athlete's name, image, and likeness for commercial or promotional purposes.
As long as “quid pro quo” is executed, student-athletes may be compensated for use of their NIL. Quid pro quo requires an exchange of services. For example, allowing a company to use your image in exchange for compensation (money, clothes, food, etc.)
What is NIL?
NIL compensation refers to the ability for student-athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL) while maintaining their eligibility to play college sports. NIL is an activity that involves the use of a student-athlete's name, image, and likeness for commercial or promotional purposes.
As long as “quid pro quo” is executed, student-athletes may be compensated for use of their NIL. Quid pro quo requires an exchange of services. For example, allowing a company to use your image in exchange for compensation (money, clothes, food, etc.)
The following are some examples of NIL activities that are permissible for students athletes:
• Providing private lessons/small group training
• Signing autographs
• Selling merchandise
• Partnering with companies and brands to endorse or promote products and services
• Participating in public appearances
• Licensing NIL for passive income
Student-athletes are not permitted to receive trade or financial compensation without providing a value in exchange. NIL opportunities may not be used as a recruiting inducement or as a substitute for pay-for-play.
Additionally, student-athletes may not enter an NIL contract to receive compensation for the advertisement, endorsement, or promotion of the following:
• Gambling
• Sports Betting
• Controlled Substances
• Tobacco
• Marijuana
• Any product, brand, or company that conflicts with the values & mission of the University or reflects adversely on the University or Athletics.
Revenue sharing, which is technically separate from NIL, refers to direct payments from schools to athletes as part of a proposed model under the House v. NCAA settlement. This compensation would come from the school’s athletics-generated revenue—such as media rights and ticket sales—and is not connected to an athlete’s NIL.
So while both models allow athletes to earn money, revenue sharing is not considered part of NIL; it’s an entirely separate category of school-based compensation and the House v. NCAA ruling will have little impact on NIL for student-athletes.
Sandbagger Tournament
This special event brought together the Torero Baseball family — with players and alumni from multiple generations — for a day filled with connection, competition, and celebration. More than just a fundraiser, the Sandbagger Tournament is a reminder of the lifelong bonds formed through USD athletics programs.
Baseball
Sophomore Volleyball outside hitter Nemo Beach balances academics, athletics and business aspirations
At first glance, Neomi “Nemo” Beach appears to be a typical college sophomore balancing classes, volleyball practice and the occasional outing with friends. But beneath her easygoing demeanor lies an entrepreneurial spirit that would impress even the most seasoned business veterans.
Nemo Beach
Braegelmann Turns Mental Health Struggles Into Story of Triumph
USD softball’s McKenna Braegelmann turned her personal battle with mental health into a mission to uplift others — both through her story and her NIL-driven clothing line, The Words I Wish I Heard Project.
What began as a way to cope and connect has grown into a movement, as McKenna uses her platform to spread messages of hope, healing, and support for those who may be silently struggling.
McKenna
Braegelmann
Nautica, the iconic American lifestyle brand known for its nautical-inspired apparel, transforms the Men's Rowing training ground into a professional photoshoot set for the team's first major Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) partnership.
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USD Men’s Rowing Makes Waves with First Team NIL Partnership with Nautica
Men's Rowing
Our Stories
How does NIL impact me as a...
STUDENT-ATHLETE?
Thanks to NIL opportunities, our program was able to receive
top-quality products that directly contributed to enhancing our athletes’ performance. This support was invaluable as it alleviated the financial burden on our operating budget, allowing us to invest in other areas of development while ensuring our athletes had the tools they needed to succeed.
– Tiffany Gibson, WBB Director of Operations
