Student-Athlete NIL Deals: What Every Family Needs to Know about Name, Image, and Likeness

Wolfe Sports Recruiting
3 days ago
2 min read

The world of college athletics continues to evolve, and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities are now a permanent part of the recruiting and college sports landscape. While NIL has opened the door for student-athletes to earn money and build their personal brands, it has also introduced new rules, responsibilities, and compliance standards that every athlete and family should understand.

One of the most important updates applies specifically to NCAA Division I student-athletes.

NIL Reporting Requirements for Division I Athletes

Under current NCAA and College Sports Commission guidelines, all Division I student-athletes are required to report any third-party NIL deals that total $600 or more in

aggregate. This means that if an athlete signs one deal—or multiple deals combined—that reach or exceed $600, those agreements must be formally disclosed.

This reporting requirement exists to promote transparency, protect student-athletes, and ensure that NIL opportunities align with the intended purpose of NIL legislation.

What Is NIL Go and how does it work for NIL Deals?

To manage and review NIL activity, the College Sports Commission utilizes NIL Go, an online reporting and review portal developed with assistance from Deloitte.

NIL Go serves several key purposes:

Allows student-athletes to report third-party NIL agreements
Reviews deals to confirm they are tied to a legitimate business purpose
Evaluates whether compensation falls within a reasonable range for the services provided
Helps maintain compliance with NCAA and conference rules

In short, NIL Go is designed to bring structure and accountability to the NIL process while protecting both athletes and institutions.

https://www.collegesportscommission.org/nil

Why This Matters for Athletes and Families

NIL opportunities are exciting, but they are not “free money.” Reporting requirements, contract terms, and compliance rules matter—and mistakes can have real consequences.

Understanding these guidelines helps athletes:

Protect their eligibility
Avoid unknowingly violating NCAA rules
Learn how legitimate NIL deals are structured
Build sustainable, long-term personal brands

For families, it reinforces the importance of education, planning, and proper guidance when navigating NIL opportunities.

The Bigger Picture

NIL is about more than endorsements and social media posts. It represents a shift toward empowering student-athletes while still maintaining fairness and integrity in college sports. Systems like NIL Go exist to ensure NIL remains tied to real value, real work, and real opportunity—not improper inducements or pay-for-play schemes.

https://www.collegesportscommission.org/nil

Final Thoughts

As NIL continues to evolve, staying informed is no longer optional—it’s essential. Whether you’re a high school athlete preparing for the next level or a college athlete already navigating NIL opportunities, understanding reporting requirements and compliance systems like NIL Go can make all the difference.

At Wolfe Sports Recruiting, our mission is to help athletes and families understand this new landscape, make smart decisions, and turn opportunity into long-term success—both on and off the field.