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- Student-athletes: Know when to say 'no' to NIL deals
Student-athletes: Know when to say 'no' to NIL deals
And what to look for
Tariq Ahmad
September 24, 2025
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‘No’ graphic (Photo Credit: vecteezy.com)
It’s great when an student-athlete receives an NIL partnership - especially their first one or if they are not well known in their sport.
They are excited to create content, show off their merchandise/service to their social media following, and get paid.
However, that’s not always the case.
What might look or sound like a good deal in reality may be terrible for the student-athlete.
Before taking on any partnership, a student-athlete should first inquire with their agent (if they have one) on the feasibility of the agreement. A good agent will guide them in the right direction on whether they should take the deal.
If a student-athlete does not have an agent, they should check with their school’s NIL Director (if they have one) or Compliance Department.
What to look for
Excessive requirements for the payment.
A brand asking for too much from the athlete with very little in return is a red flag.
For example, if a brand is asking for 5 Instagram videos and 5 Tiktok videos (different from Instagram) in a 30-day period, with a payment of $100, the student-athlete should pass on this deal (or if interested, can negotiate for reduced requirements).
No written contract (or a very vague agreement)
I’ve written about this before: EVERY NIL partnership should have a contract that is reviewed and signed by all parties.
No matter how reputable a brand is, a ‘verbal handshake’ deal or ‘trust me, bro’ will not suffice - and athletes should ALWAYS request a written agreement.
Pushy people
Sometimes athletes will meet very aggressive salespeople or company owners/reps who want to close a deal with an athlete and answer very few (or no) questions. Oftentimes, these people have an agenda that is pro-brand/themselves and anti-student athlete.
All athletes should be leary of this, while insisting that all their questions are satisfactorily answered. (And of course, get everything in writing.)
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