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By Nilay Upadhyayula
Published July 21, 2025
A National NIL Standard May Be Coming
In a major development, President Trump is expected to sign an executive order that would standardize Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations nationwide. This would replace the patchwork of inconsistent state laws that currently govern NIL, helping to create a more transparent and unified system for athletes, schools, and brands.
The proposed federal guidelines aim to:
- Simplify compliance for athletes and institutions
- Create a centralized NIL deal database
- Reduce exploitative or misleading arrangements
This marks a significant step toward fairness and clarity in an environment that has, until now, lacked consistency and accountability.
The Crackdown on “Fake” NIL Deals
In the wake of the NCAA’s House settlement, there is a growing effort to crack down on NIL deals that lack a valid business purpose. What does that mean?
Essentially, any deal must now be tied to a real deliverable — such as:
- A social media post
- An appearance at an event
- A brand endorsement
In contrast, cash payments for just committing to a school, staying on a roster, or performance incentives — with no work or service provided — are now being flagged as non-compliant.
This marks a move away from the so-called “pay-for-play” gray area, pushing NIL toward a more professional and compliant framework.
“NIL Go”: A New Oversight Tool
The College Sports Commission, in partnership with Deloitte, has launched NIL Go, a national platform to review and track NIL deals over $600. Its goal?
- Ensure deals reflect fair market value
- Enforce linkage between compensation and service
- Prevent fraudulent NIL activity
- Bring transparency and oversight to the space
Think of NIL Go as compliance software meets accounting ledger — a step toward reducing abuse while protecting athletes from shady arrangements.
Building a Brand: NIL Success Beyond the Field
For student-athletes looking to maximize their NIL value, understanding personal branding is just as important as performance. Here are two essential strategies:
1. Tell Your Story, Not Just Your Stats
Your highlight reel gets attention — but your authentic story builds connection. Share your goals, values, and life off the field. Audiences (and brands) want to invest in you, not just your numbers.
2. Engage With Purpose
Don’t just post — interact. Respond to fans, support teammates, amplify causes. This kind of engagement builds loyalty and shows you’re more than an athlete; you’re a leader.
NIL = Taxable Income: What You Need to Know
Here’s the bottom line: if you get paid through NIL, it’s income — and it’s taxable. Whether the money comes from a collective, brand, or appearance, expect to receive a 1099 form and be responsible for reporting your earnings.
Quick Tips:
- NIL income over $400/year requires a tax return
- No taxes are automatically withheld — you’re responsible
- You may qualify as self-employed for tax purposes
Understanding this early helps you avoid surprises and build responsible habits.
Financial Term of the Day: What Is a Roth IRA?
A Roth IRA is a retirement account that lets you invest in things like stocks, ETFs, and index funds — and best of all, your money grows tax-free.
- Pay taxes when you contribute, not when you withdraw
- Start young, let it grow, and keep 100% of your gains
- One of the most powerful tools for long-term wealth building
If you’re earning NIL income and want to build for the future, opening a Roth IRA is one of the smartest moves you can make.
