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What to do when an NIL deal takes too long to complete
The fastest 3 minutes in name, image and likeness
Tariq Ahmad
May 28, 2025
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What to do when an NIL deal takes too long to complete
And steps to resolve this issue
Stopwatch (Photo Credit: YouTube.com)
Recently, I worked with a healthcare provider to secure a partnership for an athlete I represent.
The athlete recently posted their final assets to social media.
This was SIX MONTHS after the initial conversations began.
Lack of response from the healthcare provider.
Lack of response from the media partner.
Parties needing content and responses ASAP after not communicating for weeks at a time.
The list goes on.
In the end, the content turned out great and everyone was happy. However, the entire process was less than optimal.
What would I do differently next time?
Stricter deadlines
On my end, I would impose a much tighter schedule of events, from contract reviews and edits to filming to final approvals.
Granted, the more people that are involved, the more difficult it is for everyone’s schedules to align. However, something as simple as this partnership (one Instagram Reel and two Instagram Stories) should NOT have taken six months.
If responses are not provided at a certain date, then I would advise the athlete that we should end the potential partnership due to lack of response (and avoid further issues later).
Not give in (within reason)
Originally, I proposed the media partner receive one round of feedback on final content. They came back and asked for three rounds. I offered to meet in the middle at two rounds, and they were adamant on three rounds.
I gave in, and the partner provided edits for three rounds, with each round of feedback taking 1-2 weeks and further delaying the process.
Going forward, I will write into contracts a maximum of two rounds of editing, with each additional editing round incurring a cost paid by the media partner.
Where did I go wrong?
I also reflected on where I could have been better along the process, as it’s not fair to point fingers at others.
One area of improvement for myself would be better follow-up. As I was awaiting their response, I got busy with other work and let this slide. Therefore, my own follow-ups were not as frequently as they should have been.
Going forward, I will institute the first point (stricter deadlines) for myself and build it into my workflow.
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