NIL Deals: What to Ask

The NIL era has created powerful opportunities for student-athletes. Many athletes are earning income, building their personal brands, and gaining valuable professional experience before ever stepping onto a college campus. With this opportunity comes responsibility. The right NIL partnership should support your growth, protect your eligibility, and align with your long-term goals.

At Polaris Athlete, we encourage student-athletes and families to pause before signing any agreement and reflect on five essential questions. These questions help ensure that every NIL decision is thoughtful, compliant, and aligned with the path ahead.

1. Does this deal reflect who I am and what I believe in?

Your name and reputation matter. Every NIL partnership becomes part of your public identity, so it is important to work with companies that feel like a natural fit. Ask yourself whether the brand aligns with your values, whether you would proudly promote it, and whether it supports the kind of image you want to build. Authentic partnerships strengthen your brand and create opportunities that last.

We always encourage our student-athletes to “say yes” to the opportunities that align with their values and vision for their future even if the deal isn’t the most lucrative on paper. These opportunities often lead to future opportunities, so it’s important to consider the connectivity.

2. Is the compensation fair and consistent with similar athletes?

Fair market value is a key part of NIL compliance. Your compensation should match the scope of work, such as social posts, appearances, or event participation. It should also be consistent with what athletes of similar reach and visibility receive. If an offer feels unusually low or unusually high, take a closer look.

This is a slippery slope in every way. What’s fair market value in one college town may not be in a metropolitan area that another institution calls home. This subject matter is up for debate amongst all of us in the NIL landscape and to be honest, it’s a headache. We encourage our student-athletes and families to consider this question with a grain of salt but to do their due diligence to protect themselves as it’s often a warning sign if the numbers appear way off.

3. Are the terms clear?

Before signing anything, make sure you fully understand what you are responsible for and what the sponsor is promising in return. Review the details, including required deliverables, timelines, payment structure, and how your name, image, or likeness will be used. Clarify anything that feels vague. Clear expectations lead to better partnerships.

We encourage our student-athletes and their families to objectively review the presented terms. By stepping away from the excitement of the deal and reviewing the facts, our student-athletes are able to set themselves up for success.

4. Will this affect my college eligibility or recruiting process?

NIL rules vary across states, high school associations, and the NCAA. Even a well-intentioned deal can put eligibility at risk if it resembles pay for play or includes incentives tied to committing to a specific college.

Recent guidance outlines specific reporting thresholds:

You will be required to report any third-party NIL deal worth 600 dollars or more with payments made from the start of your junior year of high school or since July 1, 2025, whichever was later. If you have several smaller deals with the same company or person that add up to 600 dollars or more, those must be reported as well.
Source: College Sports Commission

Keeping accurate and organized records is essential. When eligibility is on the line, it is always better to ask questions early.

5. Does this deal support my long-term goals?

The best NIL opportunities do more than pay you. They help you grow. Consider whether the partnership supports your academics, your training schedule, your personal values, and the opportunities you hope to pursue in the future. A short-term benefit is never worth a long-term setback. Choose the deals that help you move forward with clarity and purpose. NIL is a launchpad for student-athletes to develop as young professionals. 

What High School Athletes and Families Should Do Right Now

As NIL continues to evolve, preparation matters. High school athletes and families can stay protected by keeping thorough records, reporting NIL activity when required, and working only with companies offering legitimate products or services. Compensation should be reasonable for the work involved, and athletes should avoid deals that resemble pay for play or include recruiting incentives. It is also important to think long term and choose opportunities that support the athlete’s academic, athletic, and personal goals. Because NIL rules can be complex, seeking expert guidance can help you review contracts, understand compliance expectations, and avoid unnecessary risks.

We Got You

At Polaris Athlete, we are educators first. We guide student-athletes and their families through the college admissions process, the recruiting journey, and the evolving NIL landscape. Our work sits at the intersection of College Counseling and NIL Education, providing the clarity, structure, and support athletes need to move forward with confidence and purpose.