This is one we get often, “I want to work in NIL, what should I do?!”
You probably all know by now, but NIL stands for “Name, Image, Likeness”. Let’s break that down a little bit.
Name refers to an athlete’s actual identity: their given name and how they’re known publicly.
Image covers their physical likeness, including photographs, videos, and any visual representation of the athlete.
Likeness is the broader concept that encompasses their persona, including voice, signature, and other identifying characteristics that make them recognizable.
Together, these three elements represent the commercial rights that college athletes can now monetize, allowing them to profit from their personal brand through endorsement deals, social media promotions, autograph signings, and other business ventures that were previously prohibited under NCAA rules.
NIL isn’t one job. It’s an ecosystem of opportunities where sports, business, law, and media converge.
If you want to “work in NIL,” here are some of the career path options:
Marketing & Brand Management
-
NIL Brand Manager – helping athletes develop and manage their personal brands
-
Social Media Manager – creating content and managing athletes’ social media presence
-
Marketing Coordinator – assisting with campaign development and execution
Skills: Marketing strategy, branding, social media, communication
Business Operations & Athlete Relations
-
NIL Deal Coordinator – organizing and tracking endorsement deals and contracts
-
Athlete Relations Specialist – liaison between athletes and brands
-
Compliance Assistant – ensuring NIL activities follow NCAA and institutional rules
Skills: Organization, operations, compliance knowledge, people skills
Content Creation & Media
-
Content Creator/Videographer – producing promotional videos and photos
-
Graphic Designer – designing marketing materials and social media graphics
-
Podcast/Media Producer – building athlete-focused content platforms
Skills: Digital storytelling, design, production, creativity
Sales, Sponsorship & Partnerships
-
NIL Sales Representative – connecting local businesses with athletes
-
Sponsorship Coordinator – matching brands with appropriate athletes
-
Partnership Development Associate – building long-term sponsor relationships
Skills: Sales, negotiation, relationship management
Legal & Financial
-
NIL Compliance Monitor – tracking regulatory requirements
-
Contract Analyst – reviewing deal terms and agreements
-
Financial Literacy Educator – teaching athletes about taxes and money management
Skills: Legal awareness, contract review, financial advising
Technology & Platforms
-
NIL Marketplace Coordinator – managing online platforms that connect athletes and brands
-
Data Analyst – tracking NIL deal values and market trends
-
App/Platform Support Specialist – supporting athletes and brands using NIL tech tools
Skills: Tech fluency, analytics, platform management
Takeaway for Students: NIL isn’t a single job. It’s a wide-ranging ecosystem where you can work in marketing, business operations, content creation, partnerships, legal/financial advising, or technology.
The key is to figure out which area excites you most and build skills to match.
