NIL for Donors

As a donor, what are my options to contribute?

Revenue Sharing

Universities can share a portion of athletic department revenue directly with a team/student-athlete.

Corporate Sponsorships
Ticket Revenue
Facility Rental
Game Day Activity/Tailgate/Concessions
Development
- Torero Athletic Fund
- Events (tournaments, dinners, etc.)
Merchandise Sales
Media Contracts
Team Camps
Endowments

Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL)

Student-athletes can earn compensation (monetary or product/services) from third parties — businesses, brands, or collectives based on their name, image, and likeness (NIL). Universities do not pay student-athletes directly, an external source does.

National and Local Brand Endorsements
NIL Marketplace Opportunities
Licensed Merchandise Royalties
Community Service and Non-Profit Partnerships
Appearances/Events
Autographs
Camps/Lessons
Media/Content Creation (e.g., podcasts,
vlogs, articles, interviews)
Olé Foundation Collective

The Torero Athletic Fund (TAF) is the main fundraising arm for the University of San Diego Athletics Department. TAF supports all 17 sports through philanthropic giving, capital projects, and strategic initiatives. Our mission is to provide championship resources for 450+ Torero student-athletes' pursuit of excellence in the classroom and competition.

Donate through the Torero Athletic Fund

Contact the TAF Team

Olé Foundation is the official partner of University of San Diego men and women student-athletes. Whether you are a fan, alumni, donor, or business partner, our common goal is to make an impact in the lives of our student-athletes and the community. Through Olé Foundation, student-athletes can partner with local organizations to work on initiatives that drive impact, progress, and the overall betterment of their communities.

In a recent podcast with The Olé Foundation, USD Men’s Basketball Coach Steve Lavin reflects on how the Toreros are embracing the evolving NIL landscape while staying true to the University's core values. Lavin shares why he's optimistic about building a competitive and values-driven program in the heart of San Diego.

Full Story

Sandbagger Golf 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.

We encourage you to join the USD family and help us keep building something special — on the field and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

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. The following are 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.
Speak with the Director of NIL and they can help connect you with a solution that best fits your needs.

Connect with our student-athletes directly through The Torero Exchange and pitch them a deal.
Yes. You can partner with an entire team, a select group of student-athletes from a single team, or partner with multiple student-athletes from a variety of sports.
Student-athletes may receive compensation in the form of money, stocks/equity, and free goods or services as long as it is in exchange for the use of their NIL.
International student-athletes are highly encouraged to consider meeting with the Office of International Students and Scholars regarding their F-1 visa status prior to partaking in NIL activities.