Student-athletes may receive compensation from third parties for use of their name, image and likeness (NIL), such as social media posts, brand appearances or promoting products and services. All three NCAA divisions support opportunities for student-athletes to pursue NIL consistent with rules that protect fair competition.

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What counts as an NIL deal?

An NIL deal is any agreement where you are compensated (money, products or services) for allowing a company, brand or person to use your name, image or likeness, such as social posts, event appearances or endorsements

Examples of NIL activities

• Social media posts or content for a brand
• Autograph signings, camps or clinics you host
• Appearances in commercials or promotional events
• Endorsement or sponsorship agreements

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What’s allowed vs. not allowed

Allowed when all are true:

• You are paid specifically for use of your NIL, such as ads, posts or appearances
• The deal has a valid business purpose tied to a real product, service or event offered to the public
• Compensation is within a reasonable range for people with similar fame or influence
• You may use an agent or marketing professional for NIL activities

Not allowed:

• Pay with no required promotional activity or deliverables
• Agreements that say your NIL will be used later with no defined plan
• Pay-for-play, including payment to attend or compete for a specific school or compensation for athletics participation or achievement
• Compensation outside a reasonable range for similar deals

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Taxes and recordkeeping

Income from NIL activities is generally taxable. Keep accurate records of earnings and expenses, and review basic tax guidance in NIL Assist. Your situation may vary based on filing status or business structure.

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Who must report NIL deals (and when)

High school prospects planning to play Division I

• Report threshold: all third-party NIL deals worth $600 or more since July 1, 2025 or starting your junior year of high school, whichever is later; aggregate smaller payments with the same payer that total $600 or more
• Timing: within 14 days after you start full-time classes or before your first Division I game, whichever comes first
• How: enter deals in NIL Go, the CSC’s online platform used for compliance review

Two-year college (JUCO) student-athletes planning to play Division I

• Report threshold: all third-party NIL deals worth $600 or more with payments made since July 1, 2025 or when you enrolled at the two-year college, whichever was later; aggregate smaller payments with the same payer that total $600 or more
• Timing: within 14 days after you start full-time classes at the Division I school or before your first Division I game, whichever comes first
• How: report through NIL Go when you register at the Division I institution

Transfers to (or within) Division I

• DII/DIII to DI: must report any NIL deal worth $600 or more with payments made from the date you enter the NCAA Transfer Portal; aggregate smaller payments with the same payer that total $600 or more
• DI to DI: your five-business-day reporting requirement for new or changed NIL deals continues during the transfer process; companies or individuals paying you are evaluated based on their association with your new school from the time you enter the Transfer Portal
• How: use NIL Go at your new school; if moving DI to DI, your NIL Go login updates to your new school email at registration

Why reporting matters: Compliance with NIL rules is required for eligibility in Division I; schools and CSC will work with you to address issues and avoid eligibility consequences where possible. Keep complete records of all NIL activity

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Getting started with NIL

• Review your campus NIL policy and applicable state law
• Talk with your compliance office or Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR)
• Use NIL Assist to explore education, providers and disclosure tools

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Frequently Asked Questions