As glamorous as it looks, making NIL work for the majority of high school and college athletes requires more than just talent—it takes time, strategy, and effort outside of sports. While we hear about those few athletes signing multi-million dollar deals, the NCAA reported last year that half of NIL deals are $100 or less. This means a lot of athletes will have to put in extra work to see meaningful earnings hit their bank accounts. Before committing time, energy and money, ask yourself these important questions and decide if you have what it takes to earn money from NIL.
10 Questions to Help You Decide If You Should Pursue NIL Deals
1. Do I have time to dedicate to NIL opportunities? Balancing school, sports, and personal life is already challenging. NIL deals require additional time for content creation, networking, and business management. If your schedule is already packed, consider whether you can realistically commit to building your brand.
2. Am I willing to put in effort outside of school and sports to gain sponsors? Unlike top-tier athletes who attract sponsors naturally, mid-level and lower-level athletes must actively seek opportunities. This means reaching out to brands, attending events, and consistently marketing yourself.
3. Am I comfortable promoting myself and engaging with others? Successful NIL athletes understand the importance of personal branding and networking. If you’re uncomfortable sharing your story, creating content, or reaching out to potential sponsors, you may struggle to gain traction.
4. Can I stay consistent in building my brand? NIL success doesn’t happen overnight. Brands and followers look for athletes who regularly post, engage, and provide value. If you only post once every few months, it will be difficult to maintain an audience and attract sponsors.
5. Do I have a unique story or marketable niche? Standing out in the NIL space requires more than just being an athlete. Do you have a special skill, inspiring journey, or unique personality that makes brands want to work with you? Finding your niche can help set you apart.
6. Am I prepared to handle rejection and slow growth? Building an NIL presence takes time, and not every brand will say yes. If you’re easily discouraged by low engagement, slow progress, or rejection, you might find it tough to stay motivated.
7. Do I understand the importance of financial planning for NIL income? Earning money from NIL comes with tax responsibilities, budgeting, and smart financial decisions. Without a plan, you could end up mismanaging your earnings or owing money during tax season.
8. How will I protect my mental health while managing NIL? The pressure to maintain an online presence, secure deals, and balance responsibilities can take a toll on mental health. If social media stress, comparison, or burnout are concerns for you, think about how you’ll manage them.
9. Am I willing to learn about contracts and legal agreements? Brands will expect you to sign contracts, and not all deals are in your best interest. Are you willing to educate yourself on contracts, or will you seek help from professionals?
10. Am I passionate about creating content and engaging with my audience? A major part of NIL success comes from content creation and audience interaction. If you don’t enjoy making videos, writing posts, or engaging with fans, it will be difficult to grow your brand in a meaningful way.
Earning money through NIL is possible for athletes at all levels, but it requires time, effort, and consistency. If you can answer these questions honestly and still feel confident about pursuing NIL, then you likely have what it takes to succeed. However, if the commitment seems overwhelming, it’s okay to focus on school and sports first—NIL opportunities will always be there if you’re ready to put in the work.