What is Team Boneyard?

Team Boneyard is an NIL collective facilitating NIL deals for current ECU student-athletes. Team Boneyard is not affiliated with East Carolina University or ECU Athletics.

What percentage of contributions go to student-athletes?

Unlike some collectives around the country, Team Boneyard is giving 100% of the money contributed to student-athletes.  The members of the collective were the first to contribute to the fund and their contributions more than take care of the minimal expense to operate currently.

What types of NIL deals does Team Boneyard help facilitate?

Team Boneyard offers ECU student-athletes opportunities to engage in permissible NIL activities, including: autograph signings, social media promotions, camps and clinics, charity events, special appearances, speaking engagements, product reviews/endorsements, commercials and more.

Will Team Boneyard always give 100% of contributions to student-athletes?

No, Team Boneyard hopes to grow and possibly contract with a third-party NIL company to manage certain aspects of the collective.  Most collectives use a third-party software company to take care of dealings between the collective and the athletes.  These third-party companies are paid a percentage of what the collective brings in.  Team Boneyard might eventually hire staff but currently all work to date has been volunteered.

Do the members of Team Boneyard get a percentage of the money?

No, the members of Team Boneyard are volunteering to help with this NIL effort for ECU student-athletes.  Members/volunteers of Team Boneyard are not being paid anything and in fact they are contributors to the fund.

If I make a small contribution, who decides where my money goes?

The members of the collective are not affiliated with ECU in any way other than being donors.  There is a committee of dedicated Pirates making these decisions and there will be more added to the committee in the future.  This committee will be responsible for facilitating NIL opportunities, distributing the money to athletes and also making sure that the athletes perform the permissible NIL compensation activity.

Will all money collected in 2022 be paid out to student-athletes in 2022?

Yes, any and all money you give to Team Boneyard minus credit card fees will be paid to current ECU student-athletes in the 2022 calendar year.

Can I select what sport my contribution supports?

Yes, you can choose what sport your contribution is earmarked for and can choose your favorite student-athletes.  You can contact us directly at pirate@teamboneyard.org to make sure your contribution goes to the sport or student-athlete that you would like it to go to.

Can I request opportunities to engage with student-athletes?

Yes, businesses and individuals can request specific NIL opportunities with certain student-athletes (e.g., appearance requests, autographs, etc.).  Contact pirate@teamboneyard.org to start the process.

What if I’m interested in making a large contribution?

Email us at pirate@teamboneyard.org and give us your contact information and we will reach out to you directly.  You can contribute by check, venmo, PayPal or credit card.

Are contributions to Team Boneyard tax deductible?

No, contributions made to Team Boneyard are not tax deductible.  If you are a business that wants to use a player in a marketing campaign for your company, consult with your CPA about using Team Boneyard as a marketing expense.

Does Team Boneyard support prospect NIL opportunities?

No, Team Boneyard is dedicated to the current ECU student-athletes.

Are contracts with student-athletes exclusive?

No, contracts are not exclusive.  ECU student-athletes may have additional NIL opportunities with other companies.

How can I pause/cancel/change my contribution?

Contact pirate@teamboneyard.org to start this process.

Are there any limits on ECU student-athlete NIL opportunities?

All ECU student-athletes must follow the NCAA NIL Interim Policy, NC State Executive Order, and ECU Athletics NIL Policy. Specifically, there must be a quid-pro-quo between the student-athlete and an individual/business. NCAA rules prohibiting pay-for-play and impermissible inducements remain in effect.

For more information on the NCAA Interim Policy, click here. For more information on the NC Executive Order, click here.

If you have any other questions, feel free to contact pirate@teamboneyard.org.