Your kid wants an NIL deal. You just want to understand what NIL means.

As the collegiate sports landscape keeps shifting, the rules surrounding name, image and likeness (NIL) have created real chances for college athletes to benefit from their own brand. It’s exciting — and maybe a little overwhelming. But with the right support, athletes can leverage their NIL to enhance their college experience and beyond.

Here’s how parents and guardians can help as we approach a new academic year and, of course, National NIL Day, July 1: 

1. Embrace Education

Know the NCAA's current NIL policies and your school’s state laws. Some offer extra protections or perks.

NIL workshops and webinars — Encourage college (or high school, where legal) athletes to sit in on sessions offered by their school or athletic department to learn NIL basics.

2. Favor Financial Literacy

NIL earnings management — Teach your young athlete to understand how to save, budget and handle taxes related to their NIL income. Your best bet is to find a financial advisor who specializes in sports-specific/athlete deals.

Watch for scams — Educate your NIL athlete on how to spot sketchy offers or bad deals before they sign anything.

3. Carefully Review and Negotiate

Help your young athlete connect with a legit sports attorney or agent who knows NIL. And while the pro can handle the legal end, don’t sit back completely. Speak up if something feels off or you don’t understand something.

4. Help Build their Brand 

Spot strengths — First, ask your athlete if they want your help spotting what sets them apart in the NIL pool. If the answer is yes, ask questions that help reveal their personality, interests and talent on and off the field. Ask them about their idea of a perfect NIL project. Maybe money matters. Or it’s community-centered. Then tell ‘em to go for it!

Social media matters — Encourage athletes to create or update their professional online presence. Show them how consistent content across platforms makes them brandable. A publicist can help take it further with a full media and brand strategy.

5. Balance sports, school and NIL

Support your athlete as they build a schedule that works. Juggling athletics, academics and NIL, along with a social life, takes planning.

Use school support services — Help is available for academics and NIL. Remind your athlete to use them as they see fit, and if you’re not hiring independent consultants. Eligibility and well-being matter.

Action Steps

👥Talk about it. Ask your athlete what, if anything, they want in an NIL world.

📚Research. Look into workshops, legal services and financial advisors who personalize the experience.

📰 Stay informed. Watch for updates from the NCAA and your state’s lawmakers.

Engage, Educate, Empower

The more you know, the more you can help your college athlete make the most of NIL. And, this isn’t just about college. Their brand as an athlete today can be a launchpad for whatever comes next.

©2025, Gail Sideman, The NIL Edge, gpublicity.com

###

Educate, empower and engage with purpose, July 1

I created National NIL Day because July 1, 2021, marked a pivotal shift in college athletics. That was the day athletes finally gained the same earning ability as other scholarship students — the right to profit from their NIL without losing their eligibility to compete collegiately.

🗣️Join the conversation with thoughts and successful NIL stories by using hashtags #NationalNILDay and #NILImpact. —gail