A Parent’s Guide to NIL
What Every Family Should Know Before Your Athlete Signs Anything
Prepared by The Fowlkes Firm
NIL & College Sports Law Practice
NIL Is an Opportunity — and a Legal Decision
Name, Image & Likeness (“NIL”) allows college athletes to earn money from endorsements, appearances, social media, camps, and collectives.
But NIL is not free money.
It involves binding contracts, eligibility rules, tax consequences, and long-term brand decisions.
Many families unintentionally put their athlete at risk by signing agreements they don’t fully understand.
This guide is designed to help you avoid that.
Common NIL Mistakes Families Make
1. Signing Without Legal Review
NIL agreements are real contracts. Once signed, they are enforceable — even if the athlete is 18 or 19.
2. Overly Broad Exclusivity
Some deals quietly block your child from future opportunities with competing brands, collectives, or even professional teams.
3. Giving Away Name, Image, or Likeness Rights
Poorly drafted contracts can give companies long-term or permanent rights to your child’s name, image, or brand.
4. Ignoring Eligibility & Compliance Rules
School, conference, and state NIL rules differ. A deal that looks harmless can create eligibility issues if structured incorrectly.
5. Not Planning for Taxes or Structure
NIL income is taxable. Without planning, families are often surprised at tax time.
Collectives Are Not “Gifts”
Many NIL deals come through collectives or booster-backed organizations.
Important to know:
Collectives often require specific services
Payments may be contingent on appearances or performance
Contracts can include termination, morality, or repayment clauses
These agreements should be reviewed carefully — just like any other business deal.
When Should a Lawyer Be Involved?
You should speak with an NIL attorney before:
Signing any NIL or collective agreement
Posting sponsored content under a contract
Creating an LLC for NIL income
Accepting long-term or exclusive deals
Feeling pressured to “sign quickly”
If your athlete has already received an offer, timing matters.
How The Fowlkes Firm Helps Families
Our NIL & College Sports Law Practice is built to:
Protect eligibility and compliance
Identify risky contract terms
Negotiate fair and clear agreements
Help families make informed, long-term decisions
Act as a calm, trusted advisor — not a deal pusher
We work closely with both athletes and parents, because NIL decisions affect the entire family.
Our Philosophy
NIL should be an advantage — not a liability.
The right deal, structured correctly, can create opportunity today without harming tomorrow.
Questions? Received an NIL Offer?
We offer flat-fee NIL contract reviews and confidential consultations for families.
The Fowlkes Firm
NIL & College Sports Law Practice
📩 Contact us to schedule a NIL Readiness Call