NIL is not always about the money

The fastest 3 minutes in name, image and likeness

Author

Tariq Ahmad
December 04, 2024

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NIL is not always about the money

Sounds counterintuitive. Let’s dig in.

Athlete holding money (Photo Credit: medpagetoday.com)

When it comes to NIL partnerships, along with merchandise/products/services, athletes should always look to receive a monetary payment of sorts. (Amounts vary by deal and brand, of course.)

Specifically related to this post: While the amount of money is insignificant, athletes should partake in deals that align with their values and vision - not just for a quick payday.

Yes, there are plenty of athletes that do this.

Yes, there will always be plenty of athletes that do this.

But money should not be the deciding factor when doing brand partnerships.

What to consider

  • Is it a good fit?

    • As I’ve discussed before, ensure NIL deals are a good fit for student-athletes and align with their personal brand and interests.

    • This way, student-athletes feel better about themselves for working with a brand that resonates with them as a person and athlete, and avoids alienating their audience.

  • What are the contractual requirements?

    • Before taking a deal, check what needs to be completed in order to get paid.

      • One Instagram post and one Instagram Story for $500 with a brand you regularly use? Sounds great.

      • Two Instagram posts per month for three months and three TikTok videos for $1,000 with a brand whose products you don’t use or like? Sounds bad.

  • Payment terms

    • Most brands will pay athletes after they have completed their contractual obligations. Therefore, ensure you receive this in writing of your payment amount and when you will be paid.

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