Last updated: November 1, 2026
Brown University NIL works differently from most of Division I: the Ivy League offers no athletic scholarships and opted out of House settlement revenue sharing, so outside NIL deals are the only way Bears athletes can earn from their sport. Brown’s updated NIL policy took effect June 30, 2026, and it sets clear rules on disclosure, approval and logo use.
Quick summary
- The Ivy League opted out of the House settlement in January 2025, so Brown does not pay athletes through revenue sharing.
- Brown athletes can sign NIL deals with outside businesses and fans, but Brown itself cannot pay them for NIL.
- Every deal must be disclosed within five business days, and work cannot start until the deal is approved.
- The BRUNO Exchange, launched in April 2024 with Teamworks Influencer, connects businesses and fans with Brown athletes at no fee.
Why the Ivy League Opted Out
In January 2025, Ivy League executive director Robin Harris told athletes and coaches the league would not opt into the House settlement, writing that it “will not change longstanding rules” barring pay for participation, The Daily Pennsylvanian reported. The league does not offer revenue sharing, athletic scholarships or direct NIL payments, and it has steered clear of NIL collectives.
The result: at Brown, NIL from outside partners is the main way athletes earn from their sport, whether they row, run, play field hockey or suit up on Saturdays.
Brown University NIL Rules at a Glance
Brown’s Name, Image and Likeness policy spells out the process:
- Disclosure: current athletes report every deal within five business days of signing; incoming athletes report existing deals within 30 days of enrolling.
- Under $600: reviewed by the Athletics Compliance Office through Teamworks Influencer.
- $600 to $1,999: reviewed by compliance and the NIL Go clearinghouse, and reported annually to the Ivy League.
- $2,000 and up: adds review by the athletic director and the Ivy League.
- Approval first: athletes may not begin work until the deal is reviewed and approved.
- Logos: Brown logos and trademarks require the university’s express written permission.
- Prohibited: deals with no real work, pay tied to enrolling or staying at Brown, pay for play, and NIL payments from Brown itself.
- International athletes: NIL is permitted, but Brown advises checking visa rules with its international student office.
The BRUNO Exchange
In April 2024, Brown Athletics launched the BRUNO Exchange with Teamworks Influencer. Approved businesses, alumni and fans can search Brown athletes, message them and complete deals through the platform, which handles reporting and payment and consolidates income into a single 1099. Brown says the exchange is fee-free and that neither the school nor Teamworks takes part in negotiations; coaches can point athletes to opportunities but cannot arrange deals.
How Brown University NIL Compares
- Versus most of Division I: no revenue-sharing checks and no athletic scholarships, so NIL carries more weight.
- Versus other Ivies: the same league-wide rules apply; read our Ivy League NIL guide and our Yale NIL guide.
- Versus Division III: Brown athletes compete at the Division I level, which can mean bigger audiences for the right sport.
Brown University NIL Tips for Athletes
- Disclose early: the five-business-day clock starts when you agree to terms, not when you get paid.
- Wait for approval before posting, appearing or filming anything.
- Leave Brown logos and uniforms out of content unless the partner has written permission from the university.
- Track every payment and gift for taxes; the BRUNO Exchange issues a single 1099 for deals done through it.
- If you are an international student, check visa rules before signing.
Following those steps keeps eligibility safe and makes it easier to land repeat deals with local Providence businesses and alumni-owned companies.
Brown Athletics Highlights
- Women’s rowing: seven NCAA titles (1999, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2007, 2008 and 2011).
- Football: one of the oldest programs in the country, and Brown’s Fritz Pollard became the first African American head coach in the NFL.
- Ivy rivalries: see our new guide to Harvard vs. Yale for the league’s biggest game.
🗳️ Vote: Make your prediction for Brown vs. Columbia on RallyFuel (Nov. 14)
FAQ
Can Brown athletes get paid?
Yes, through NIL deals with outside businesses and fans. Brown itself cannot pay athletes for NIL or for playing.
Do Brown athletes get athletic scholarships?
No. The Ivy League does not offer athletic scholarships.
Is there a Brown NIL collective?
No. The Ivy League has avoided collectives; the BRUNO Exchange connects approved businesses and fans with athletes instead.
How fast must Brown athletes report NIL deals?
Within five business days of signing, and no work can begin until the deal is approved.
Follow College Athletes on RallyFuel
Browse Brown teams on RallyFuel, including women’s rowing, field hockey and football, see the league on the Ivy League page, check the RallyFuel NIL Score and make your predictions with RallyFuel Predictions.
