NIL 101: What Every Athlete Needs to Know

NIL stands for Name, Image, and Likeness. Since July 1, 2021, college athletes in the United States have been allowed to earn money from their NIL. But most athletes — and most parents — fundamentally misunderstand what this means. WHAT NIL IS NIL is the right to earn money from: - Your name (endorsements, autographs) - Your image (photos, social media posts) - Your likeness (appearances, videos) Examples of legitimate NIL deals: - A local restaurant pays you to post about them on Instagram - A clothing brand sends you free gear in exchange for a post - A youth camp pays you to appear as a guest instructor - A local business pays you to appear in their commercial WHAT NIL IS NOT - A salary from your school - A guarantee of playing time - A substitute for a scholarship - Something only D1 athletes can access (D2, D3, JUCO, and NAIA athletes can participate too) THE REALITY CHECK The vast majority of NIL deals are small — local businesses, modest social media partnerships, appearance fees. The seven-figure NIL deals you see in headlines represent less than 1% of all NIL activity. Most college athletes earn between $0 and $5,000 per year from NIL. This doesn't mean NIL isn't valuable. It means you need realistic expectations and a real strategy — not a dream of becoming an influencer. HIGH SCHOOL NIL Several states now allow high school athletes to earn NIL income. Rules vary by state. If you're a high school athlete, check your state's specific rules before accepting any compensation.