College athletes across the country are cashing in on their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights. From local restaurant partnerships to social media endorsements, the NIL revolution is rewriting the rules of college sports. But how do you get started? Here’s what you need to know to make your first college NIL deal and maximize your potential.

What are NIL Deals?

NIL deals allow student-athletes to earn money by leveraging their personal brand. This can be through endorsements, paid social media posts, merchandise sales, personal appearances, and more. 

Example of a paid endorsement for Cooper Flagg’s NIL deal with Gatorade (Source: Instagram)

The NCAA’s 2021 policy change has enabled athletes, regardless of their sport or level, to monetize their NIL rights. Unlike professional contracts, NIL deals are about your image and influence—not just your performance on the field. 

So, you don’t need to be a superstar to land a NIL deal. Every athlete has an audience, and NIL is about using that audience to connect with brands that align with your story and values.

How to Get a NIL Deal in College?

Getting a NIL deal requires strategy, hustle, and a bit of creativity. Here’s how you can make it happen:

Build Your Brand

Clean up your social media profiles and post regularly about your athletic journey, lifestyle, and values. Brands seek athletes who are authentic and relatable.

Engage with your followers. An active and responsive presence is more attractive than a high follower count with low engagement.

Pro Tip: Highlight what makes you unique. Are you the underdog with a strong work ethic? A team captain with leadership skills? Sponsors love personal stories that resonate with audiences.

Identify Your Opportunities

Create a list of at least 25 to 50 brands you are interested in. This proactive approach allows you to reach out rather than wait for opportunities.

Start Local

In addition to the brands you’ve listed, consider approaching small businesses in your college town, like restaurants, gyms, and shops. These businesses may be more accessible and willing to collaborate with local athletes.

Offer value. For instance, promote a restaurant to your teammates or post about a gym you already use.

Join NIL Platforms

Websites like NIL Store, Opendorse, Icon Source, and MarketPryce connect athletes with brands looking for partnerships. These platforms simplify the search for deals and help smaller athletes break into the NIL space.

Top college athletes like Ryan Kalkbrenner, Jaxson Dart, and Zach Edey have NIL deals with the NIL Store. 

Pitch Directly to Brands

Draft a simple pitch explaining why you align with a brand and reach out via email or social media. Highlight what sets you apart and keep it short and direct. Explain why you’re a great fit and share stats like social media engagement or community involvement.

Ask for Help from Your School

Many universities now have NIL collectives or programs to help athletes land college NIL deals. Talk to your compliance officer or athletic department to explore your options. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many followers do you need to get a NIL deal?

You don’t need millions of followers to land a deal—engagement matters more than numbers. Micro-influencers with as few as 1,000 followers often secure deals if they have a highly engaged audience. 

Companies look for athletes who interact with their audience. Comments, likes, and shares often carry more weight than follower counts.TikTok and Instagram are popular platforms for NIL deals but don’t overlook LinkedIn or YouTube if your brand aligns with those audiences.

How much are college NIL deals worth?

The value of NIL deals varies widely based on factors like sport, school, and audience size. 

Local sponsorships or social media shout-outs may bring in $50–$500 per post. Athletes with regional influence or standout performances can earn $1,000–$10,000 per deal. 

High-profile athletes at major programs sometimes sign deals worth $100,000 or more. Star quarterbacks or players with national recognition often gain the highest NIL deals, like Nico Iamaleava, who signed a NIL deal worth $8 million with Spyre Sports Group. 

How is NIL money paid out?

NIL payments depend on the agreement with the sponsor. The most common arrangements are direct deposits or checks, upfront payments, royalties (percentage of sales), and milestone-based payments. 

Always have a written contract specifying payment terms. Consulting a lawyer or NIL expert can prevent misunderstandings. 

Be Proactive, Consistent, and Strategic

The effort you put into your NIL strategies can significantly impact your chances of success in athletics and beyond. So, be proactive, consistent, and strategic in building your brand and pursuing opportunities in NIL.

Check out the NIL Store to get you started.