// nil guide

What is NIL?

NIL stands for Name, Image, and Likeness — a college athlete's right to earn money from their personal brand. Since July 1, 2021, NCAA athletes can sign endorsement deals, get paid for social media, sell autographs, host camps, and license their name, image, and likeness, all without losing eligibility. What was prohibited for a century is now one of the fastest-growing markets in sports.

How NIL deals work

An NIL deal is a commercial agreement between an athlete and a brand, local business, or collective. The athlete provides something of value — a social post, an appearance, content, an endorsement, or the use of their likeness — and is paid for it. Athletes typically disclose their deals to their school or conference, which review them for compliance.

The shift began with state laws such as California's Fair Pay to Play Act (SB 206), the Supreme Court's decision in NCAA v. Alston, and the NCAA's interim NIL policy, all in 2021.

Revenue sharing (2025 onward)

In 2025, the House v. NCAA settlement added a new layer: schools can now pay athletes directly through revenue sharing — capped at roughly $20.5M per school in the first year — on top of third-party NIL deals. The result is a more professional market where representation, brand strategy, and compliance matter more than ever.

Who can earn from NIL?

All NCAA Division I, II, and III athletes can pursue NIL deals, and a growing number of states allow high-school athletes to as well. The best opportunities go to athletes who build an audience and a clear brand — which is exactly what Sphere Sports Group builds for its roster.

How Sphere helps

Sphere Sports Group represents athletes end to end: we build the athlete's brand and media, source and negotiate deals, handle NIL agreements and compliance, and manage delivery. See the types of NIL deals, browse the roster, or — for brands — learn how to sponsor a college athlete.

Questions

What does NIL stand for?
NIL stands for Name, Image, and Likeness — a college athlete's legal right to earn money from their personal brand.
Can college athletes get paid?
Yes. Since July 1, 2021, NCAA athletes can be paid for endorsements, social media, appearances, autographs, camps, and licensing their NIL without losing eligibility. As of 2025, schools can also pay athletes directly through revenue sharing.
Do NIL deals affect eligibility?
Properly structured, disclosed NIL deals do not affect eligibility. Athletes typically disclose deals to their school or conference for compliance review.
How do athletes find NIL deals?
Through brands, local businesses, collectives, marketplaces, and representation. Sphere Sports Group sources, negotiates, and manages deals on behalf of its athletes.

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.

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