Athletes at smaller or mid-major schools have probably noticed something: NIL opportunities are everywhere… but not all of them actually help you grow. The truth is, NIL isn’t just about getting paid. It’s about learning to manage money, build a personal brand, and set yourself up for the next stage after your playing days end. Plus, if you don’t have a PR team, lawyer, or financial advisor (like most athletes don’t), it’s easy to fall into traps that can cost you long-term growth. Below are 5 NIL mistakes that might look small today but can hold you back tomorrow – and how to fix them.
5 NIL Mistakes That Kill Money Growth
1. Chasing Quick Cash Over Real Partnerships. Getting a $200 deal for a post can feel exciting, but the real value of NIL comes from relationships, not transactions. If a local business supports you, ask how you can work together long-term:
- Can you create a recurring campaign?
- Can you use their resources (photographers, connections, space) to grow your brand?
- Can they mentor you on business or community leadership?
When you treat NIL as networking, not just marketing, you’ll open doors that money alone can’t buy.
2. Ignoring Taxes and Recordkeeping. This one catches too many athletes off guard. Every NIL payment (even a free product or gift card) can have tax implications. You don’t need a CPA on retainer, but you do need structure:
- Track every deal and payment (Google Sheets works fine).
- Save a portion of your earnings, around 20–25%, for taxes.
- Ask your school or collective if they offer workshops on filing NIL income.
NIL is the first time many athletes are technically “self-employed.” Treat it like training: get the fundamentals right early.
3. Posting Without Purpose. More followers ≠ more deals. What brands and fans really value is clarity. Before you create your next piece of content ask yourself:
- What do I want to be known for outside my sport?
- Does my content reflect that story?
- Would a brand look at my posts and know what I stand for?
Even one intentional post a week highlighting your routine, values, or community work can build a consistent image that outlasts trends.
4. Not Reading the Fine Print. Some NIL deals have exclusivity clauses or usage rights that can block future opportunities. For example, if a company says they can “reuse your image anytime,” ask: for how long? and in what way? If you can’t afford a lawyer, bring the deal to your school’s compliance office, business professor, or a mentor who understands contracts.
Protecting your name and image is what NIL is all about, so don’t give that away for free.
5. Forgetting the Long Game. The best NIL strategy is the one that still benefits you after graduation. If you’re pretty confident you won’t be playing professionally in the near future, your partnerships, content, and reputation should help you:
- Build professional connections.
- Develop a portfolio for future work.
- Strengthen your personal story – one that brands and employers will remember.
NIL isn’t about how much you earn in college, it’s about how much value you keep building after it. You don’t need a PR team or financial advisor to win in NIL. You need awareness, consistency, and a plan. Because the athletes who play the long game (who treat NIL as training for life after sports) are the ones who keep winning.