NIL stands for Name, Image, and Likeness. NIL now provides the opportunity for student-athletes to be compensated for the use of their name, image, and likeness.

NIL does not allow for any “pay to play”, which means Heels4Life does not contract student-athletes to induce their enrollment in, or transfer to, the university. Additionally, players are required to provide services for all compensation received.  Heels4Life manages our student-athletes’ obligations to ensure all regulations are met.

Heels4Life does not have any official relationship with the University of North Carolina and UNC Athletics. Heels4Life is organized independently to provide for third-party opportunities.  Heels4Life and the university are aligned in their missions to find any and all compliant ways to support student-athletes. As NIL evolves, so will the ability for each party to work together towards this common goal.

NIL marks the greatest change to the competitive landscape of college athletics in a generation. Heels4Life is working hard to use NIL as a beneficial tool for our players and the Chapel Hill community.  The destination and usage of donor and corporate contributions is extremely important to Heels4Life and our Board of Directors, which is made up of some of the most ardent Tar Heel supporters.  We work hard to ensure that all dollars are appropriately used for maximum impact and benefit to the student-athletes.

Individuals: Individuals can give private donations to Heels4Life in return for exclusive benefits like content, merchandise, memorabilia, and experiences with the players and staff.

Businesses: Businesses can support Heels4Life with marketing dollars through our corporate sponsorship program. Options include a general Heels4Life sponsorship which provides marketing promotion on our social media, website, and print materials. Additionally, businesses can request promotion by players via their personal social media and time.  More information can be found here.

Heels4Life has two ways to donate to our collective’s efforts: one that provides a tax benefit and one that does not. 

Donations can be made directly to Heels4Life in one-time payments or via the subscription plans on the website. These contributions are not tax deductible, but more than 90% of the funds go to the student-athletes.

Donors may make tax deductible donations to our non-profit partner, North Carolina Hall of Fame (NCHOF), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.  NCHOF was established to support and honor University of North Carolina student-athletes of the past, present and future.  Through its relationships with current student-athletes, including members of the Carolina football team, and community organizations, NCHOF promotes local, Chapel Hill area charities to further deepen the great bond between the University and the community.