NCAA Division II Examines Use of Commercial Logos

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA (April 16, 2026) – The NCAA Division II Management Council approved a recommendation to request feedback on whether legislation to amend the use of commercial logos is appropriate. The recommendation came from the Division II Legislation Committee.

The concept is intended to better reflect current operational realities while maintaining Division II’s commitment to balance, consistency and the student-athlete experience.

Current legislation permits one manufacturer’s label or trademark on athletics equipment and one manufacturer’s label or trademark, as well as the name of the sole title sponsor of the competition, on uniforms and apparel. 

Under the concept, athletics equipment could bear one additional commercial or nonprofit trademark or logo in nonchampionship competition. Further, a Division II student-athlete’s uniform and apparel, including pregame and postgame attire, could have two additional commercial or nonprofit logos in nonchampionships competition and one additional logo during a conference championship. (See chart below.)

“As with all of the decisions we make, our guiding principle is to keep the well-being of our student-athletes at the center. Our intent is to be timely and proactive rather than prescriptive,” said Ben Cherry, Division II Management Council chair. “Division II institutions are navigating increased financial and sponsorship pressures, and this concept seeks to gather meaningful feedback before determining whether flexibility around logos could be expanded in a way that supports departments, respects conference autonomy and remains consistent with Division II values.”

The feedback requested will help inform the discussion of the Legislation Committee on a potential change.

The council also approved, in concept, what it called “noncontroversial legislation” increasing the permissible size of a manufacturer’s or distributor’s logo to 4 square inches on equipment, uniforms and apparel. If adopted in legislative form in July, the proposal would be effective August 1, 2026. 

Division III Reviews NIL

The Division III Management Council recommended the Presidents Council approve a framework to review name, image and likeness activities in the division. The move follows a resolution adopted at the 2026 NCAA Convention charging the governance structure with monitoring and, if needed, recommending policy or legislative changes to address NIL in Division III.

The goals of the proposed review are as follows:

• Develop a clearer understanding of the current NIL climate as it affects Division III, including:
  • The legal landscape, with attention to the status and implications of state laws.
  • The landscape in Divisions I and II.
  • The types of opportunities currently being experienced by Division III student-athletes.
  • The role, scope and influence of collectives and third-party support entities.
  • Institutional approaches to NIL education, support and oversight.
  • Prospective student-athlete expectations and experiences.
• Identify practical and philosophical concerns arising from the current NIL environment, particularly where those concerns intersect with Division III values and operating principles.
• Assess whether additional resources (e.g., educational, best practices) could assist the membership in navigating NIL-related issues.
• Determine whether clarification of existing NCAA legislation or the development of new legislative proposals should be considered.

If approved by the Presidents Council, a dedicated working group will be established to conduct the review. The working group will include individuals with experience and expertise in NIL activities.

Football Rules Editor Steve Shaw Retiring

Steve Shaw, the NCAA secretary-rules editor for football and national coordinator of officials, will retire from both positions, effective September 1, 2026. Shaw began his position as secretary-rules editor for football in September 2017, where he succeeded Rogers Redding. He was named the national coordinator of football officials in March 2020.

In his nine years as the secretary-rules editor of the NCAA Football Rules Committee, Shaw’s position was critical to the development of competition rules and policies. As national coordinator, Shaw focused on consistent mechanics and helping the general public better understand rules and officiating through weekly video productions and media engagement. 

Shaw also advocated for advancing the technology used in officiating. He helped lead enhancements in the use of video to evaluate and develop officials and helped pioneer a wireless crew communications system now used by most Football Bowl Subdivision conferences.