While the NCAA and the NJCAA has permitted NIL activities, individual schools and conferences might have their own guidelines or restrictions so make sure you understand your school and conferences rules. When exploring contracts consider consulting with an attorney and a tax professional prior to signing. The NIL landscape is constantly changing so it is best to stay on top of all the rules and regulations prior to agreeing to something that might not be allowed.
Student-athletes went from not being able to earn anything to being able to participate in several types of activities to earn income here are some of them:
Signing endorsement deals with companies and brands. This can range from local businesses to national or even international brands.
Student-athletes that have a substantial following on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube can monetize their reach through sponsored posts, paid partnerships, or affiliate marketing.
Running their own sports camps or clinics to help build their personal brand while charging participants.
Selling apparel or merchandise with their name, logo, or likeness.
They can be paid to make personal appearances at events, grand openings, or other functions.
They can offer paid private coaching or training sessions to individuals or small groups.
Signing autographs for fans, selling autographed items, or other memorabilia related to their sport or college career.
Licensing their likeness to be used in video games, especially sports-related ones.
Depending on their story or experiences, athletes can be paid to speak at events, schools, or conferences.
Creating content, whether written, audio, or video, about their experiences, tips, or other topics, and monetizing through ads, sponsors, or paid subscriptions.
Modeling for sports apparel, equipment, and other businesses.
As the landscape of NIL is developing there may be additional opportunities or changes as it evolves. Several platforms and marketplaces have emerged to assist athletes in capitalizing on their NIL. These platforms aim to connect student-athletes with potential brand partners, facilitate endorsement deals, offer compliance resources, and more. Here are some platforms and services that have been developed to cater specifically to NIL:
Opendorse is a platform that connects athletes with endorsement opportunities. They provide tools to help athletes share content, track their social media analytics, and get connected with potential brand partners.
INFLCR helps athletes grow and monetize their personal brands. They offer features like content distribution, tracking analytics, and partnership opportunities.
The Brandr Group Specializes in group licensing, they help with creating opportunities for athletes to be part of larger licensing deals, like video games or trading cards.
Icon Source is a digital marketplace connecting athletes with brand opportunities for endorsements, appearances, and more.
MatchPoint Connection is a platform that connects student-athletes with businesses for endorsement opportunities. It also offers tools for compliance with NCAA and state NIL rules.
Dreamfield Co-founded by Miami quarterback D’Eriq King, Dreamfield specializes in booking live appearances for athletes, including autograph signings, and speaking engagements.
Playbooked is a platform that connects student-athletes with personal appearance opportunities and other brand deals.
Yoke is an app where fans can pay to play video games with student-athletes. Players can set their own rates and choose when they want to be available to play.
MarketPryce helps athletes create their own brand, connect with businesses, and negotiate deals.
Compliance Platforms like “TeamAltemus” are more focused on compliance, ensuring that both athletes and schools are following the necessary regulations when engaging in NIL activities.
Stukent released courseware this year that helps student-athletes master personal branding with a book and simulation on Name, Image and Likeness.
It’s important to note that the NIL landscape is in the beginning stages, platforms and services will come about and existing ones may change to better meet the needs of student-athletes and the NIL market. Given the evolving nature of NIL laws and regulations, it’s also a good idea for student-athletes to stay up to date by accessing the most accurate information on Florida’s NIL laws and policies, by directly checking the state’s official resources or the compliance office of Florida universities as well as their specific athletic conference.
