NIL deal types.
College athletes earn through NIL in several ways. Most partnerships combine a few of the types below. Sphere Sports Group structures the right mix for each athlete and brand, then handles the agreement, compliance, and delivery.
Endorsements
An athlete publicly backs a product or service — the classic sponsorship, from a local business to a national brand.
Brand ambassadorships
An ongoing relationship: the athlete represents a brand over a season or year across content and appearances.
Social content
Paid posts, stories, and short-form video on the athlete's own channels — priced on reach and engagement, not just follower count.
Appearances & autographs
Signings, meet-and-greets, and events — in person or virtual (cameos, shoutouts).
Camps & clinics
Athletes run or headline youth camps and clinics, monetizing expertise and local following.
Licensing & merch
The athlete licenses their name, image, and likeness for apparel, trading cards, video games, and co-branded products.
Co-athlete campaigns
One brand across several athletes, or athletes marketing together — see co-athlete sponsorship.
Athletes available to partner with
General information, not legal, tax, or compliance advice. NIL rules vary by state, school, and conference and change frequently — confirm specifics with the relevant institution.
NIL hub · What is NIL · Deal types · Glossary · Rules · Sponsor an athlete