Waves Excellence Collective
Pepperdine University is a faith-based institution committed to the highest standard of academic excellence and Christian values, where students are strengthened for lives of purpose, service, and leadership.
The Pepperdine University Athletics Department is committed to Christian values, to the academic well-being of all student athletes and to competing for championships. They prepare students for success by challenging them to think differently - find your purpose, serve others and lead by example.
THE MISSION
The Waves Excellence Collective was created with one mission in mind – to empower Pepperdine student athletes to achieve their greatest potential in the classroom, on the playing field, and in life. Our organization exists to facilitate interactions between donors or sponsors and student athletes at Pepperdine University to ensure fairness, compliance, and ethical dealings are applied.
With the passing of NCAA and state legislation allowing student-athletes to profit from their name, image and likeness, the Waves Excellence Collective leverages the power of engaged alumni and fans to equip student athletes with the tools and resources necessary for them to excel both during and beyond their time in Malibu. More importantly, we seek to help student athletes to use NIL to maximize its impact on the community, and to do so the right way, without ever compromising the values of the university and the rich legacy and tradition of Pepperdine athletics.
The Waves Excellence Collective has developed two methods of engaging with supporters; both a recognized 501(c)3 charitable organization and for-profit entities were established to meet specific funding goals. Although The Waves Excellence Collective is a third-party entity seperate from the university, we share Pepperdine's longstanding commitment to compliance with NCAA rules and work to ensure the highest ethical standards are met.
Contact Us to Discuss Opportunities
Waves fans now have the opportunity to support student athletes directly by joining the Waves Excellence Collective. Each level of engagement offers exclusive benefits and experiences. Your contribution will go to supporting Pepperdine student athlete NIL opportunities designated to a specific sport or program wide. Please contact us to discuss these entry engagement levels:
Each level of engagement offers exclusive benefits, and contributions can be allocated to a specific sport.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NIL?
NIL stands for “Name, Image, and Likeness” specifically referring to the use of an athlete’s NIL through marketing and promotional endeavors. Student-athletes at NCAA institutions could begin monetizing their NIL beginning on July 1, 2021.
What Are the NCAA rules regarding NIL?
All NIL activities are required generally to follow these four NCAA guidelines:
1) There must be a quid pro quo attached to an NIL deal essentially requiring a student athlete to do an activity in order to receive compensation.
2) That activity cannot be tied to athletic performance such as statistical achievements, wins, or awards.
3) That activity cannot be contingent upon the student athlete committing to the university that the collective supports or tied to enrollment.
4) Institutions do not provide compensation in exchange for the use of a student athletes NIL.
NCAA rules also require student athletes to follow their state law or institutional policy if there is no existing state law governing NIL activities.
What is an NIL activity?
An NIL activity involves the use of a student-athlete’s name, image, or likeness for promotional purposes by a third-party not associated with the NCAA or an NCAA institution such as:
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Social media influencing and other promotions
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Personal appearances at businesses, conferences, camps, parties
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TV ads, radio ads, print ads
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Endorsements of a third-party
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Student athlete run camps and private lessons
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Autograph signings
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Sale of student athlete owned apparel and personal items
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Student-athlete run businesses
With whom does the Waves Excellence Collective work?
The Waves Excellence Collective works with student athletes and coaches from Pepperdine University.
Does the state of California have an NIL law?
Yes, SB206 became law in fall 2019 and was updated by HB26 in Fall 2021.
Is the Waves Excellence Collective an entity of Pepperdine University?
No – The Waves Excellence Collective is a third-party entity.
How will the Waves Excellence Collective be governed and administered?
The Waves Excellence Collective has a Board of Directors whose purpose will be to organize the entity, raise funds, and review and ratify annual audits. The Board manages the accounting for the fund, support the annual audit, as well as manage public relations. Our organization is led by volunteers dedicated to maximizing student athtlete NIL activities and therefore are not compensated.
How will payments be made to the players?
The Waves Excellence Collective utilizes Influencer, the leading operating software provider for collectives. This software allows student athletes the ability to provide compliance reporting to Pepperdine which can be accessed by the athletic department and serves as the way to distribute funds to student athletes after they have completed their NIL obligation.
What percentage of contributions go to the student athletes?
100% of your donation goes to supporting the student athletes.
Does the Waves Excellence Collective work with recruits or prospective student athletes?
No – In compliance with NCAA NIL regulations, The Waves Excellence Collective will not recruit or engage in a deal with any prospective student athlete. Until a student athlete has signed their NLI/athletic scholarship, enrolled in school and/or the school has received a deposit of financial aid, they will not qualify for a deal from the Collective.
How does the Collective support youth service organizations and non-profits?
The Waves Excellence Collective coordinates with local youth service non-profits and identifies opportunities for Pepperdine student athletes to support their mission. Our organization compensates the student athlete for their work at no expense to the non-profit being served.
May I select what sport my contributions support?
Yes, anyone donating to the Waves Excellence Collective may denote a specific sport as the recipient of their donation. Supporters can also contact us directly to set up activations with their favorite student athlete(s).
What are the ways in which NIL activities are carried out? Â
The Waves Excellence Collective will engage the student athlete with you many ways like through corporate partnerships, product endorsements, event appearances, social media and traditional advertising campaigns, or tax deductible donations leading to community service activities.