Q&A:
What is NIL Money?

NIL stands for Name, Image, and Likeness. It refers to the right of college (and some high school) athletes to earn money from their personal brand – their name, photo, voice, social media presence, or reputation – without being paid directly by their school.

Anyone who has a legal right to their own Name, Image, and Likeness can earn NIL money, but how and when they can do it depends on age, level, and governing rules.

Athletes can now earn money by:

  • Endorsements & sponsorships. (brands, local businesses)
  • Social media posts 
  • Appearances
  • Merchandise
  • Camps & clinics
  • Media/content
  • Brands and companies
  • Local businesses
  • Collectives (donor-backed groups that connect athletes with deals)
  • Individuals (appearances, instruction)

NIL collectices are organizations often backed by alumni or boosters that:

  • Pool money
  • Arrange NIL opportunities for athletes
  • Help with contracts, compliance, and payments

It varies widely:

  • High school athletes: $500-$10,000 (local deals, camps)
  • Typical college athletes: $1,000-$25,000 per year
  • High profile DI standouts: $100,000 to $1M+ annually
  • Olympic / niche sports like lacrosse: often smaller, but strong social reach, camps, and coaching all add up!

For sports like lacrosse, NIL us usually driven by:

  • Camps, clinics and youth coaching
  • Apparel and equipment brands
  • Local sponsors
  • Social media

Yes. Athletes must:

  • Follow school and state NIL policies
  • Disclose deals to their school
  • Avoid “pay for play” agreements ( cannot be paid to join a team)
  • Avoid inducements tied directly to recruiting
  • Levels the playing field for non-revenue sports
  • Rewards leadership, coaching, and community impact
  • Helps athletes build a personal brand early
  • Encourages entrepreneurship and financial literacy

Fully entitled to NIL money. This includes athletes at:

  • NCAA Division I,II,III
  • NAIA
  • NJCAA (JUCO)
  • Club sports (MCLA, WCLA)

Entitled in many states, but not all. High school athletes can earn NIL money if allowed by their state athletic association.

  • Most states permit high school NIL with some restrictions likely (school logos, uniforms)

Yes. Also entitled.

NIL is not tied to scholarships, playing time, or star status. Any athlete can earn NIL if someone finds value in their brand.

  • Coaches and schools
  • Parents (unless they are managing money for a minor)
  • Recruiters & agents can take fees but do not own NIL)

NIL Resources