Being a student-athlete means mastering the balancing act between your sport, academics, and everything in between. 

But what if you could add a side hustle to that mix and make money while pursuing your passion? 

With the NCAA’s game-changing NIL rules, earning potential is at an all-time high.

Here are eight smart ways to make money as a student-athlete. Let’s break it down.

1. Tap Into NIL Deals

The game-changing Supreme Court ruling in 2021 opened up the NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) world for student-athletes. Now, you can sign endorsement deals, create sponsored content, or even launch your own brand.

Cooper Flagg, the Duke basketball player, leveraged his personal branding to secure NIL deals and launch his own merchandise, which is expected for a player of his caliber.

Want an easy way to start? Follow Flagg’s footsteps and check out the NIL Store. Design and sell custom merch like jerseys, hoodies, and posters featuring your personal brand. Fans want to support their favorite players, and this is your chance to cash in. Build your merch line with the NIL Store today!

2. Monetize Your Social Media Game

If you’re already active on platforms like Instagram or TikTok, why not turn those likes into dollars? Brands love working with athletes who have an engaged audience, no matter the size. You could get paid to promote products, share your training routines, or give behind-the-scenes glimpses into your athletic life.

The key is authenticity. Fans want real content—not just ads. Be yourself, post consistently, and engage with your followers. Before you know it, you might be landing sponsored posts or affiliate deals.

3. Coach or Train the Next Generation

Your skills aren’t just for game day—they’re also valuable to aspiring athletes. Offer private lessons or coach youth teams. Parents are often eager to invest in high-quality training for their kids, and who better to teach them than a college athlete?

Coaching gigs also let you stay connected to your sport while earning an hourly rate (the current average is $22.44 per hour). Plus, working with younger athletes is a rewarding way to give back to the community.

4. Start a YouTube Channel or Vlog

Got a story to share or skills to showcase? Starting a YouTube channel could be your ticket to extra income. Whether you’re breaking down game footage, reviewing sports gear, or documenting your life as a student-athlete, there’s an audience for your content.

While it takes time to grow a channel, monetization through ads and sponsorships can eventually pay off. Just remember to stay consistent and focus on quality content that resonates with your viewers.

5. Work for Your School’s Athletic Department

Athletic departments are often looking for help with stuff like setting up events, managing gear, or even marketing. And since you’re already part of the sports scene, you’re a perfect fit.

The best part? These jobs are super flexible and built around your schedule. Plus, you get a sneak peek into how things run behind the scenes—something that could come in handy if you want a career in athletics post-graduation.

6. Host Sports Camps or Clinics

Take your love of sports and create a business by organizing camps or clinics during your off-season or school breaks. Gather a few teammates, rent a local gym or field, and teach kids the fundamentals of your sport. Parents are always looking for fun, active stuff for their kids to do during breaks—and they’re willing to pay for it, too!

You can even throw in camp shirts or awards to make it more legit. It’s a great way to share your love of the game, inspire the next generation, and make serious cash over a weekend—all while hanging out with your teammates.

7. Write About Your Experiences

If you’ve got a knack for storytelling, why not write about your life as a student-athlete? People love hearing about the ups and downs, the grind, and the wins. You could write for your school’s blog, a local paper, or even online platforms like Medium—and get paid for it!

Plus, you can use your writing to boost your NIL hustle by linking your merch on the NIL Store or your socials. It’s a win-win—more eyes on your brand and extra cash coming in. 

Final Play: Create Your Game Plan

Making money as a student-athlete is all about working smarter, not harder. These eight strategies let you earn while building skills and connections that will stick with you long after college. Whether it’s selling merch, coaching the next generation, or sharing your story, there’s no shortage of ways to level up your financial game.

And remember, if you’re ready to take the first step, start with the NIL Store. It’s a one-stop shop to create and sell merch that showcases your unique brand. Fans want to support you—give them the chance!