Questions, answered.
The NIL era moves fast and the rules are genuinely confusing. Here are straight answers to the questions athletes and families ask us most.
What is NIL?
NIL stands for Name, Image, and Likeness. It refers to an athlete's legal right to earn money from their own identity — through sponsorships, social media content, appearances, camps, merchandise, and other business activity — while remaining eligible to compete.
Who can do NIL deals?
College athletes across the country can participate in NIL activity under their school's and state's rules. High school eligibility varies by state — some states permit high school NIL and others restrict it, so the first step for any high school athlete is confirming the rules where they compete.
How do athletes actually make money from NIL?
The most common income sources are brand sponsorships, paid social media content, appearances and autograph signings, camps and lessons, merchandise, and partnerships with local businesses. Deal value depends on the athlete's sport, market, level, and audience — not just performance statistics.
Do I need an NIL agent or agency?
You need someone experienced reviewing every contract before you sign it. Brands and collectives negotiate deals professionally; athletes and families should not sit across from them alone. An agency negotiates terms, catches problem clauses, keeps deals compliant, and manages the business so the athlete can focus on the sport.
How much does NIL representation cost?
Most reputable agencies work on commission, earning a percentage of the deals they negotiate — meaning the agency only gets paid when the athlete does. Any arrangement that charges large upfront fees deserves serious scrutiny.
Can NIL deals affect eligibility?
Yes, if done wrong. Deals that violate school policy, state law, or governing body rules can jeopardize eligibility. This is why compliance review is a standard part of every deal we touch — the paperwork matters as much as the paycheck.
What should be in an NIL contract?
At minimum: clear deliverables, payment amount and schedule, deal length, termination terms, and any exclusivity limits. Watch for clauses that claim rights to your name or content forever, block future deals in an entire category, or automatically renew. If any of that appears, get it reviewed before signing.
What makes Major Sports Group different?
We are a boutique agency by design. A small roster means every athlete gets full attention across deal negotiation, brand building, contracts, and compliance — one team, under one roof, with one standard.