Last updated: January 2026
NIL allows student-athletes to earn money from their name, image, and likeness while maintaining eligibility. Rules vary by state, school, and governing body, so understanding compliance is essential, especially for high school athletes.
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What is NIL & How it Works
What is NIL?
NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) refers to a student-athlete’s right to earn money from their personal brand, including their name, photos, videos, voice, and public persona. NIL is rooted in the right of publicity, a legal principal that gives individuals control over how their identity is used for commercial purposes.
For example, if a business uses an athlete’s photo or name to promote a product without permission, the athlete may have grounds to claim a violation of their NIL rights. Watch the video below for more on NIL and it’s impact on college recruiting:
How NIL works
- Athlete builds a personal brand (social, performance, visibility)
- A brand or collective offers an NIL deal
- Athlete reviews the contract (independent review recommended)
- Deal is disclosed per school/state rules
- Athlete completes agreed activities and gets paid
Insider Tip: Explore the IMG Academy Essentials NIL Collection to get access to a series of workshops covering name, image, likeness.
Eligibility for NIL
Who Is Eligible for NIL?
- Most college student-athletes (NCAA, NAIA, NJCAA)
- Some high school athletes, depending on state and association rules
- Athletes must meet academic and enrollment requirements
- Eligibility can be affected by amateurism rules in certain sports
Do High School Athletes Qualify for NIL?
- Depends on state high school athletic association rules
- Some states allow NIL; others restrict it
- College recruiting eligibility rules still apply
Always confirm before signing any deal to avoid risking college eligibility.
NIL rules, timeline and compliance
what is the ncaa nil rule?
The NCAA NIL rule, effective July 2021, allows college student-athletes to earn money from their name, image, and likeness without losing eligibility. Under the NCAA’s NIL policy:
- Student-athletes may participate in NIL activities as long as they follow state NIL laws where their school is located.
- Athletes in states without NIL laws can still participate in NIL activities without breaking NCAA rules.
- Athletes are allowed to work with professional service providers, such as agents or attorneys, for NIL deals.
- Student-athletes must report NIL activities according to state law and their school or conference requirements.
Because NCAA NIL rules and state laws continue to evolve, student-athletes should stay informed to remain compliant and protect their eligibility.
Timeline of Key NIL Rule Changes
- June 2021: NCAA approves interim NIL policy
- July 2021: College athletes can begin NIL deals
- 2023–2024: Increased state legislation and enforcement
- 2025: House v. NCAA settlement allows direct athlete compensation at opt-in Division I schools
Recent NIL Changes
Following the 2025 House v NCAA settlement, Division I schools that opt in can begin directly compensating student-athletes for their name, image and likeness. This marks a major shift in how college athletes can earn money.
Under the new changes:
- Student-athletes may be able to negotiate NIL deals before enrolling at a school.
- Increased NIL regulation is expected, including required disclosure of NIL deals valued over $600.
- Some NIL deals may undergo third-party review.
- Athletes must meet specific enrollment and academic progress requirements to remain eligible
Curious how revenue sharing works and who qualifies? Read our explainer on the NCAA’s new revenue-sharing model.
Insider Tip: Keep up to date with the changes coming to NIL with NCSA expert-led workshops. Click here for the full schedule of live workshops and watch a pre-recorded workshop on how to use social media in the recruiting process here.
Allowed vs. prohibited NIL activities
| Allowed NIL Activities | Prohibited NIL Activities |
|---|---|
| Brand endorsements | Pay-for-play (payment tied to performance or stats) |
| Social media promotions | NIL deals contingent on enrollment at a specific school* |
| Paid appearances | Using school logos or trademarks without permission |
| Running camps or clinics | NIL used as recruiting inducements |
| Monetized content (videos, blogs) | Violating state, school, or conference rules |
*Rules may vary by state and school under evolving NCAA guidance.
NIL compliance checklist
Use this checklist to stay eligible and avoid violations:
- Disclose NIL deals to your school as required (often mandatory for deals over $600)
- Review contracts carefully (consider an agent or attorney)
- Follow state NIL laws and school/conference policies
- Avoid pay-for-play language in agreements
- Track income for taxes (NIL earnings are taxable)
- Meet enrollment and academic requirements
- Keep records of payments, contracts, and communications
NIL deals & money sources
What is an NIL Deal?
An NIL deal is an agreement that allows a student-athlete to earn money from their name, image, and likeness through activities like endorsements, appearances, content creation, or camps, as long as they follow NCAA, state and school rules.
Where does NIL money come from?
| Source | How athletes earn money | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Brands & companies | Endorsements, sponsored posts, ads | Apparel, local businesses |
| NIL collectives | Group licensing or pooled deals | School-affiliated collectives |
| Camps & clinics | Coaching or appearances | Youth sports camps |
| Appearances | Autographs, meet-and-greets | Fan events |
| Social media | Paid posts or content | Instagram, TikTok, YouTube |
What does an NIL deal typically include?
- Endorsements: Promoting a brand, product, or service.
- Appearances: Paid events, autograph signings, or meet-and-greets.
- Content Creation: Social media posts, videos, livestreams, or blogs.
- Camps & Clinics: Hosting or coaching sports camps and training sessions.
- Merchandise: Selling branded apparel or products using the athlete’s name or likeness.
NIL deal examples
| NIL Deal Type | Example |
|---|---|
| Endorsement | A local restaurant pays an athlete to appear in social media ads |
| Social Media Content | An athlete is paid per Instagram or TikTok post |
| Appearance | Paid autograph signing at a sports store |
| Camp or Clinic | Athlete hosts a youth skills camp and charges registration fees |
| Merchandise | Selling branded shirts or gear with the athlete’s name or logo |
| Sponsorship | Ongoing partnership with a local or national brand |
NIL for High School athletes
Preparing early can help you understand how NIL may impact your path to college. While NIL offers exciting opportunities, high school athletes need to follow specific rules to protect their eligibility.
- Prioritize academics and development, which helps with recruiting and future NIL opportunities.
- Seek guidance from college athletes or NIL professions.
- Build your online presence to showcase your journey and interests.
- Stay informed, as NIL rules continue to change.
Watch the video below to learn more about how NIL works for high school athletes from former D1 soccer player, Audi Jepson.
Can high school athletes get NIL money?
Yes, high school athletes in some states can earn NIL money, but the rules depend on state associations and school policies. Where it’s allowed, deals can’t involve pay-for-play or recruiting offers, so always check your state’s guidelines before signing.
Key things to know:
- State NIL rules: Each state has its own NIL regulations, so what’s allowed in one state may not be the same in another.
- High school NIL rules: Though the NCAA permits high school student-athletes to monetize their NIL, check with your high school or sports association’s rules to avoid violations.
- Colleges and conference-specific NIL rules: In college, you’ll also need to be aware of what your college or conference allows for NIL, not just the state law.
- Know your risks: Engaging in NIL activities without considering the rules set by your state or high school sports association could jeopordize your eligibility to play college sports – and we know you don’t want that!
Where to check your NIL rights
- State laws
- State high school associations
- National and sport governing bodies
- College/Universities and Conferences you are interested in
State-by-state NIL laws
Curious what states have signed NIL laws? States are introducing their own laws and policies related to NIL, and as a result, the regulations governing name, image and likeness deals can vary based on where you live or the college you attend.
In states with active NIL laws, college athletes can earn money following both state and school rules. In states without such laws, the college sets the guidelines for NIL activities.
College NIL laws by state
| State | Monetization Allowed | NIL Law Status |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | YES | Repealed / Suspended |
| Alaska | YES | None |
| Arizona | YES | Signed into law |
| Arkansas | YES | Signed into law; Amended April 2023 to ban deals involving adult entertainment, alcohol, or gambling, allow civil penalties for violations, and let schools help create NIL opportunities |
| California | YES | Signed into law |
| Colorado | YES | Signed into law |
| Connecticut | YES | Signed into law |
| Delaware | YES | Signed into law |
| District of Columbia (D.C.) | YES | Legislation proposed October 2021 hasn’t progressed |
| Florida | YES | Signed into law |
| Georgia | YES | Signed into law |
| Hawaii | YES | Bill introduced |
| Idaho | YES | None |
| Illinois | YES | Signed into law; Amended August |
| Indiana | YES | None |
| Iowa | YES | Legislation failed |
| Kansas | YES | Legislation failed |
| Kentucky | YES | Signed into law |
| Louisiana | YES | Signed into law |
| Maine | YES | Signed into law |
| Maryland | YES | Signed into law |
| Massachusetts | YES | Legislation proposed, currently following the NCAA’s interim policy. |
| Michigan | YES | Signed into law |
| Minnesota | YES | Legislation proposed, currently following the NCAA’s interim policy. |
| Mississippi | YES | Signed into law; Amended April 2022 to allow schools to be involved in athletes’ deal conversations. |
| Missouri | YES | Signed into law; Amended May 2022 and July 2023 |
| Montana | YES | Signed into law |
| Nebraska | YES | Signed into law |
| Nevada | YES | Signed into law |
| New Hampshire | YES | Legislation proposed |
| New Jersey | YES | Signed into law |
| New Mexico | YES | Signed into law |
| New York | YES | Signed into law; Amended July 2023 |
| North Carolina | YES | Amended March 2024, North Carolina rescinded its NIL Executive Order, originally issued in July 2021. |
| North Dakota | YES | None |
| Ohio | YES | Signed into law |
| Oklahoma | YES | Signed into law; Amended May 2023 |
| Oregon | YES | Signed into law |
| Pennsylvania | YES | Signed into law |
| Rhode Island | YES | Legislation proposed |
| South Carolina | YES | Signed into law, , Amended May 2024 |
| South Dakota | YES | None |
| Tennessee | YES | Signed into law; Amended April 2022 |
| Texas | YES | Signed into law; Amended June 2023 |
| Utah | YES | Signed into law |
| Vermont | YES | Legislation proposed, currently following the NCAA’s interim policy. |
| Virginia | YES | Signed into law, Amended April 2024 to let schools directly pay athletes and bar the NCAA from penalizing them for it. The law also states athletes aren’t school employees. |
| Washington | YES | Signed into law |
| West Virginia | YES | Legislation proposed, currently following the NCAA’s interim policy. |
| Wisconsin | YES | None |
| Wyoming | YES | None |
*Source: Opendorse (last updated November 2025)
Are colleges/universities creating their own NIL rules?
Yes, each individual school has oversight of NIL deals and the right to object to a deal if it conflicts with existing agreements. Some schools are turning to companies like Opendorse and Teamworks, which offer platforms for athletes to upload their NIL contracts for the compliance department to review and approve.
High school NIL rules by state
Unlike college student-athletes, high school athletes have stricter limitations and may not be able to capitalize on their school’s logo or name. The opportunities for high school athletes to make money from their NIL vary depending on the rules set by their specific association.
Below is access to state-by-state rules and regulations for each high school association.
Insider Tip: We highly recommend that you reach out to your high school athletic director or contact your high school association before engaging with NIL deals as a high school student. They will be able to provide you with the necessary guidance and most up-to-date information specific to your state’s association.
National governing bodies and sport-specific amateurism rules
Similar to states, colleges/universities and conferences, national governing bodies are now creating their own NIL guidelines for student-athletes to retain their amateur status.
The first national governing body to address the new NIL policy was USGA (United States Golf Association). The association released their own guidelines that highlights requirements for student-athletes to remain amateur golfers.
Below are links to the NIL and amateurism rules set by each national governing body. Athletes should review the guidelines that apply to their sport before engaging in NIL activities.
Sport-Specific National Governing Bodies
How to talk to college coaches about NIL
Moving forward, student-athletes interested in monetizing their NIL will need to ask questions about NIL rules when talking with coaches. Below are some suggested questions:
- What NIL rules are enforced by your school and conference?
- What is NIL going to look like for me if I come to your institution?
- How are current student-athletes monetizing their NIL?
- What marketplaces are your current athletes using to monetize on their NIL?
- What platform is your compliance office using to manage and approve NIL contracts?
Help monetizing your NIL
Student-athletes looking to monetize on their NIL will need help securing deals. While there are many companies that have been working with professional athletes for years that will offer their services to college athletes, there are a number of new companies that have recently launched specifically to help collegiate athletes.
To learn about some of these new brands, check out the NIL Network’s coverage on digital marketplaces, as well as the BCS tracker which offers a running list of marketplaces.
FAQS
What does NIL stand for?
NIL stands for Name, Image and Likeness.
What does NIL mean?
NIL refers to the rights of college athletes to control and profit from their name, image and likeness. NCAA policy changes now allow athletes to monetize their personal brand and endorsements while participating in college sports.
When did NIL start?
Effective July 1, 2021, the NCAA approved name, image, and likeness policy allows student-athletes to monetize their NIL.
What is a NIL deal?
A NIL deal is an agreement or arrangement between a student-athlete and a third party, such as a brand, company or individual, where the student-athlete receives compensation for the use of their name, image and likeness.
What is an NIL collective?
NIL collectives are support networks for college athletes where donors pool together money to compensate athletes for their name, image and likeness. These independent organizations generate NIL deals for athletes at specific schools while operating separately from the schools themselves.
How is NIL Income taxed?
NIL income is taxable. Athletes may need to file 1099 forms. Expenses may be deductible. Many athletes work with tax or financial advisors. This is general information, not tax advice. Consult a qualified tax professional.
Have more NIL questions?
Speak with an expert to discuss where you are in your recruiting journey, how NCSA can help, and to understand guidance and resources available.