What Is Nil Money?

NIL laws have opened up the door for a new generation of college athletes to make money while in school and potentially build their brand and business for later on.

NIL deals, however, aren’t for every college athlete. Some states are more restrictive than others.

What is NIL?

NIL, or Name, Image, and Likeness, is the ability for college athletes to earn money off their name and brand. It’s an important change for both players and brands, as it finally gives athletes a chance to be compensated for the effort they put into their sports careers.

NIL has changed the game for college athletes, with a variety of opportunities opening up to athletes across all sports and backgrounds. From signing sponsorship deals with brands to charging for autographs, there are now more opportunities than ever before for athletes to make money off of their name, image, and likeness.

One of the newer forms of NIL has been collectives, which are third-party entities that collect booster money and direct it to athletes for their name, image, and likeness rights. These collectives are typically run by wealthy alumni of the school, but they are not operated by the university or its athletic department.

This creates concerns about recruiting inducements, pay-for-play, and a flurry of other issues, many of which are still being worked out. The NCAA is also stepping up enforcement, making it harder for boosters to use these collectives as a means of getting athletes to their schools.

How can I make money with my NIL?

Whether you’re looking to make some extra cash or set yourself up for life after college, there are plenty of ways to earn NIL money. Just be sure you’re navigating this new marketplace responsibly.

One way to get started is by building up your social media following. Even micro-influencers with less than 10,000 followers can monetize their followings through sponsored content.

Another way to make NIL work for you is to use your unique talents and interests. For example, University of Alabama DB Ga’Quincy “Kool-Aid” McKinstry used his nickname to land an endorsement deal with Kool-Aid.

The NCAA’s adoption of NIL policies has allowed student-athletes to receive financial compensation for their name, image and likeness through advertising campaigns and events. However, the amount of money athletes can make from NIL deals varies greatly depending on what sport they play, how well they perform, and how large their social media following is.

As the NIL landscape continues to evolve, it’s important for student-athletes to find a reliable agent who can help them navigate this space without making their already busy schedules too difficult. A good agent will understand your long-term goals and help you secure the best NIL opportunities while protecting your rights.

What are the tax implications of NIL?

Nil money has become a popular way for student-athletes to make a profit. But before students rush to sign NIL deals, they should be aware of the tax implications.

Athletes must be prepared to pay both state and federal taxes on their nil money. Depending on their state of residence, they may also be required to file an income tax return and pay quarterly taxes as well.

As with any other type of compensation, monetary or non-monetary, NIL should be reported on Form 1040. Generally, any income above the standard deduction amount will be subject to federal and state tax.

The IRS explains that all compensation received from NIL activities, including royalties and sponsorships, are considered taxable income. Those who are not familiar with the intricacies of tax filing can seek help from a CPA.

What are the best ways to make money with my NIL?

NIL is a great way for student athletes to earn money and build their brand and business for later on. Some of the best ways to make money with your NIL are through brand deals, endorsements and sponsorships.

Athletes can also take advantage of their following and social media platform to promote products and services. For example, a football player can earn a free meal or gift from a local restaurant in exchange for a tweet or Instagram post about the establishment.

College athletes can also use their NIL to promote a cause they care about, such as mental health awareness or social justice. For instance, University of Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett has used his NIL endorsements to support Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania.

The NIL rules change every state, so it’s important to research the legal requirements in your home state before engaging in NIL activities. Additionally, it’s a good idea to find a professional marketing agent who can help you navigate the new NIL world.