The Oklahoma State Cowboys have an innovative way of capitalizing on their team’s play to solicit Name, Image, and Likeness donations during the game.
Or so they thought.
But it looks like Oklahoma State’s creative helmet QR code idea has been blocked by the NCAA, meaning the Cowboys will not be able to wear the helmet decal to collect donations during the games.
Oklahoma State NIL Helmet Decals Blocked By NCAA
The original initiative was designed to capitalize on fan engagement during games. Players would have a QR code on their helmets that links to a donation page where fans can give to Oklahoma State’s “Pokes With A Purpose” NIL collective.
The idea was a first of its kind, but it has been blocked by the NCAA, per a press release given to reporters at the Oklahoma State-South Dakota State game.
BREAKING: No QR codes for Oklahoma State today, per release. The NCAA is blocking them from using it. pic.twitter.com/JhvR9FK8PA
— McClain (@McclainBaxley) August 31, 2024
Per the release, the NCAA is blocking the idea on the basis that it is considered as “advertising and/or commercial marks” which are not allowed by NCAA rules. “Institutional decals,” which are stickers unique to a university, are permitted, but the NCAA does not interpret this as such, the release declares.
Oklahoma State athletic director Chad Weiberg adamantly disagreed with the ruling, blaming an outdated rule book.
“It just serves as the latest example of how college sports are evolving at a faster rate than the rule book,” Weiberg said.
What’s Next for Oklahoma State?
While the Cowboys will certainly be disappointed that the QR codes won’t be allowed, their marketing efforts are still ahead of most of the rest of the country. The team plans to display the same code on its video board during home games and will likely find other ways to get its NIL donation page in front of fans.
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The QR code idea comes in the wake of Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy’s recent comments about the time for negotiating to be over, in reference to the offseason ending and regular season beginning.
Oklahoma State hosts reigning FCS National Champions South Dakota State in its season opener at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday.
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