5 Common NIL Mistakes College Athletes Make (and How to Avoid Them)
Because a great deal on paper isn’t always a great deal in practice.
The NIL Boom, and the Blind Spots That Come With It
The NIL era has transformed college sports, giving athletes unprecedented opportunities to build their brands and earn income.
But here’s the truth:
For every athlete who lands a smart NIL deal, there’s another who signs something they regret.
At Supra Sports Management, we’ve reviewed hundreds of NIL contracts, and we see the same red flags again and again; deals that look great at first but end up costing athletes their time, eligibility, or even money.
Before you sign your next agreement, here are five of the most common NIL mistakes athletes make, and how to avoid them.
1. Committing Before Getting the Offer in Writing
Verbal offers sound exciting, until they disappear.
Coaches, brands, and collectives often discuss potential NIL deals informally, but unless it’s in writing, it’s not real.
A written agreement is your only protection if terms change or promises fall through.
Supra Tip:
Never commit to a school, brand, or deal based solely on verbal assurances. Always request written confirmation and have it reviewed by a professional before announcing or posting about it.
2. Skimming the Fine Print
You might be tempted to scan a contract and sign quickly, especially when money’s on the table. But fine print is where most athletes lose leverage.
Hidden clauses can:
Lock you into long-term exclusivity
Restrict which brands you can work with
Require unrealistic deliverables (like weekly posts or events)
Give companies rights to use your image indefinitely
Supra Tip:
Before signing, highlight every clause about exclusivity, usage rights, duration, and termination terms. If something feels vague, it probably needs negotiation.
3. Forgetting About Taxes and Compliance
Many NIL deals are 1099 independent contractor arrangements, meaning taxes aren’t automatically withheld.
If you don’t plan ahead, tax season can hit hard.
Plus, state laws and NCAA rules around NIL continue to evolve. Failing to disclose deals to your compliance office or ignoring reporting rules can put your eligibility at risk.
Supra Tip:
Treat every NIL deal like a small business. Track your income, set aside 25–30% for taxes, and consult both a compliance officer and financial advisor early.
4. Not Knowing Who You’re Signing With
Every NIL opportunity should start with due diligence.
Not every “collective” or “marketing agency” is what it claims to be. Some are unregistered, unlicensed, or operating outside NCAA guidelines, putting athletes in jeopardy.
Supra Tip:
Research the organization behind the offer.
Ask:
Who owns or runs it?
Are they registered with the school or state?
Do they have a track record of legitimate deals?
If transparency is missing, walk away.
5. Thinking Short-Term
The right NIL deal doesn’t just pay now, it builds your future.
Too many athletes grab quick money without considering how a deal aligns with their brand or long-term goals.
For example, signing an exclusivity agreement with a small company today might block a national sponsorship tomorrow.
Supra Tip:
Before saying yes, ask:
Does this deal fit the image I want long-term?
Could this limit future opportunities?
How does this partnership align with who I am beyond sports?
Final Takeaway: Protect Your Name Like a Brand, Because It Is One
Your NIL is more than a paycheck, it’s your reputation, influence, and legacy.
By slowing down, asking questions, and getting guidance, you can turn short-term opportunities into long-term growth.
At Supra Sports Management, we help athletes:
Review and negotiate NIL contracts for fairness and protection
Stay compliant with NCAA and state rules
Build personal brands that open doors beyond the game
Because success in the NIL era isn’t about signing the most deals, it’s about signing the right ones.
Ready to Protect Your NIL Future?
Let’s make sure your next opportunity builds your brand, not your regrets.
Click the link below to get a professional review and custom NIL roadmap today.