What is NIL?
The concept of NIL – Name, Image, and Likeness – is transforming the landscape for student-athletes across the U.S. and worldwide. Under NIL, student-athletes are empowered to profit from their personal brand while still in school. This means athletes can now earn money from sponsorships, endorsements, social media, personal appearances, and more, all without jeopardizing their eligibility. NIL is an unprecedented opportunity to build your brand and establish financial security while excelling in your sport and academics.
At NIL Plus Group, we’re here to help you understand the complexities of NIL, leverage your unique talents, and maximize your potential in this exciting new era.
What is the
“Cost of Attendance (COA)”?
The Cost of Attendance (COA) represents the estimated total cost for a student to attend a university for one academic year, encompassing more than just tuition and fees. For student-athletes, many universities include COA in their athletic scholarship packages, helping cover both educational and day-to-day living expenses associated with college life.
What Does the Cost of Attendance Cover?
The COA extends beyond tuition, providing funding for essential expenses such as:
- Room and Board: Covers the cost of on-campus housing and meal plans or an allowance for off-campus living.
- Books and Supplies: Allocates funds for textbooks, lab fees, and other academic materials.
- Transportation: Includes estimated travel costs for commuting, visiting home, or participating in official university activities.
- Personal Expenses: Offers a stipend for everyday necessities such as toiletries, laundry, and other basic living costs.
For student-athletes, these funds provide financial stability, allowing them to focus on academics and athletics without undue stress.
What is
NIL Collective Revenue?
NIL Collective Revenue refers to a pool of financial resources generated by a group or organization, known as an NIL Collective, to support student-athletes in monetizing their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights. These collectives are typically formed by alumni, boosters, local businesses, or fans to provide athletes with additional financial opportunities while enhancing their personal brands.
How Do NIL Collectives Work?
NIL Collectives operate as independent entities that collaborate with student-athletes and universities to offer financial support and promotional opportunities. They often generate revenue through:
- Donations and Sponsorships: Contributions from alumni, fans, and local businesses.
- Partnership Deals: Collaborating with companies to create endorsement or marketing opportunities.
- Events and Campaigns: Organizing fundraising events, merchandise sales, or community programs that directly benefit athletes.
These funds are then distributed to student-athletes based on their participation, performance, marketability, or collective agreements.
Why NIL Collective Revenue Matters
NIL Collectives are reshaping the college sports landscape by empowering athletes to benefit from their value while promoting a fair and competitive environment. They offer a pathway for student-athletes to gain financial stability, professional experience, and personal growth.
What is
NIL Revenue Share?
NIL Revenue Share is a groundbreaking model that allows universities to share a portion of the revenue generated from athletic events, media rights, merchandise, and other sports-related activities with their student-athletes. This approach ensures athletes receive direct financial benefits from the value they contribute to their schools, all while remaining within the framework of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL).
How Does NIL Revenue Share Work?
Under the NIL Revenue Share model, universities allocate portions of their athletic earnings back to the athletes who drive their success. Key components include:
- Game Day and Media Rights Revenue:
A percentage of ticket sales, broadcasting agreements, and other game-day earnings may be distributed to athletes involved in those events. - Merchandising and Licensing:
Athletes can earn a share of revenue from merchandise, such as jerseys or memorabilia, featuring their name, image, or likeness. - Team-Based Revenue Sharing:
In some cases, schools implement collective agreements where revenue generated by a specific team is shared among its athletes, fostering teamwork and a collaborative approach to NIL income.
With NIL Plus Group, you can be confident that you’re supported by a team that understands the NIL market and how to capitalize on every opportunity!
Did You Know?
Explosive Growth of the NIL Marketplace
- Since the NCAA’s NIL policy took effect in July 2021, the NIL market has surged—from an estimated $917 million in 2021–22 to a projected $1.67 billion in 2024–25 OpendorseCalMatters.
- Booster-supported collectives now drive over 80 % of the NIL market, accounting for approximately $1.36 billion of that total The Wall Street Journal.
NIL Collective Trends & Oversight
- Blueprint Sports and Student Athlete NIL (SANIL) merged their operations, now overseeing 70 collectives that distributed more than $108 million in payments in 2024 blueprintsports.com.
- Starting June 7, 2025, the College Sports Commission (CSC), aided by Deloitte through the “NIL Go” platform, now reviews all NIL deals over $600 to ensure they meet compliance based on payor legitimacy, valid business purpose, and fair compensation range ResEcon.
Legal Changes & Market Regulation
- The Tennessee v NCAA case (settled in 2024–2025) permanently ended the NCAA’s ban on NIL-based recruiting, allowing open NIL negotiations with prospective student-athletes Wikipedia.
- While the NCAA’s new revenue-sharing framework allows schools to distribute up to $20.5 million annually per school in the 2025–26 academic year, collectives remain a dominant force—though their deals now face heightened regulatory scrutiny nil-ncaa.com The Wall Street Journal.
High-Value Athlete NIL Deals
- In 2025, NiJaree Canady, the Texas Tech softball pitcher, signed a $1.2 million NIL deal, setting a record for softball NIL earnings Wikipedia.
- Standout collegiate athletes such as Cooper Flagg (Duke) and Arch Manning (Texas) have NIL valuations ranging between $3.3 million and $6.5 million Business Insider.
NIL Plus Group – Comprehensive NIL Representation & Support
NIL Deal Negotiation & Representation
- Act as your exclusive NIL representative with NCAA Colclolectives, brands, boosters, and clubs.
- Ensure all NIL contracts comply with NCAA, IRS, and visa regulations (critical for F-1 student-athletes).
- Negotiate guaranteed income, milestone bonuses, and in-kind benefits (housing, flights, apparel, etc.).
Contract Legal Review & Escrow Protections
- Partner with licensed U.S. attorneys (e.g., Shahady & Wurtenberger P.A.) for contract review and redlining.
- Secure payments through escrow accounts, protecting international athletes against delayed payouts.
- Add injury and buyout protection clauses for athletes leaving professional clubs to enter NCAA programs.
Accounting & Tax Strategy
- Refer athletes to licensed U.S. accounting firms specializing in NIL income and foreign national taxation.
Academic & Visa Compliance
- Ensure athletes remain eligible under F-1 visa restrictions and NCAA rules.
- Work with NCAA D1 Universities to structure NIL deals without endangering immigration status.
- Strategically arrange passive NIL income (licensing/royalties) or non-U.S. based NIL activity when needed.
Global Athlete Representation
- Manage transitions for athletes moving from pro clubs overseas into NCAA programs.
- Negotiate club buyouts and coordinate with NCAA to preserve eligibility.
Serve as a liaison between U.S. schools and international families to ensure smooth onboarding.
NIL Plus Group – More Than Just NIL Deals
We are committed to helping athletes unlock their full NIL potential while protecting their long-term interests. Beyond financial agreements, we provide holistic guidance across brand building, legal compliance, education, and community impact.
Our Added Value
- Brand Development: Build a strong personal and professional image that stands out.
- Legal Safeguards: Every contract reviewed for compliance and athlete protection.
- Educational Workshops: Training in financial literacy, public relations, and NIL strategy.
- Community Engagement: Connect with businesses and organizations to strengthen visibility and impact.
Your Path to Success
At NIL Plus Group, we ensure every athlete maximizes financial, academic, and personal success in the new NIL era. From negotiating secure contracts to preparing you for life beyond college athletics, our mission is simple: protect your interests, grow your brand, and set you up for lasting impact.