Real-world readiness

NIL & Recruiting

Your name, image and likeness can open doors, or close them if you sign the wrong thing. Athletes and their families learn the rules, the money and the red flags before the first offer arrives.

Launchers (grades 9–12) and college athletes, with a parent and guardian track. Self-paced: 6 modules (short video, worksheet, family discussion), with a suggested pace of one module per week.

Start module 1 Print a Rep Card

Core tool

The Deal Check

Before any deal: Is it allowed under my state and school rules? · What do I give and what do I get? · How and when am I paid, and what will I owe in taxes? · Who reviewed it: a parent, a coach, a qualified professional?

Before you start: quick self-check

Rate each line from 1 (not yet) to 5 (definitely) before module 1, then again after your Real-World Rep.

I know my state's NIL rules
I can spot red flags in a deal before I sign

The modules

6 modules, one per week.

Each module: a short video, a practice set or field task, and a log entry. Go at your own pace; one module a week works well.

  1. Module 1

    Know Your Rules

    Hook5–10 min

    The same deal in two states: allowed in one, an eligibility problem in the other

    Rep10–30 min

    Find your state association's NIL policy and list three rules that apply to you

    Reflect5–10 min

    Write one line on your Rep Card: what I tried, what happened, what I'll try next.

  2. Module 2

    Your Brand, Your Story

    Hook5–10 min

    Two athlete profiles: one sponsors want, one they avoid

    Rep10–30 min

    Audit your social media and write a two-sentence brand statement

    Reflect5–10 min

    Write one line on your Rep Card: what I tried, what happened, what I'll try next.

  3. Module 3

    Reading the Deal

    Hook5–10 min

    A sample agreement with three hidden traps

    Rep10–30 min

    Mark up a sample NIL agreement: exclusivity, length, deliverables and payment

    Reflect5–10 min

    Write one line on your Rep Card: what I tried, what happened, what I'll try next.

  4. Module 4

    Money & Taxes

    Hook5–10 min

    Why a $1,000 deal isn't $1,000 in your pocket

    Rep10–30 min

    Pick a set-aside percentage for taxes, start a simple income tracker, and learn what a 1099 form is

    Reflect5–10 min

    Write one line on your Rep Card: what I tried, what happened, what I'll try next.

  5. Module 5

    Recruiting & NIL Together

    Hook5–10 min

    How deals and social media can help or hurt recruiting

    Rep10–30 min

    Build a recruiting plan: highlight film, a coach contact list, a timeline and the questions to ask about NIL

    Reflect5–10 min

    Write one line on your Rep Card: what I tried, what happened, what I'll try next.

  6. Module 6

    Pitch Day

    Hook5–10 min

    A 30-second pitch to a local business

    Rep10–30 min

    Record a pitch to a local business and get feedback from a parent or mentor

    Reflect5–10 min

    Write one line on your Rep Card: what I tried, what happened, what I'll try next.

For parents & guardians

Parents and guardians often manage an athlete's first deals. The parent track covers the same Deal Check, how to vet agents and marketing reps, and keeping NIL money and records organized from day one.

Real-World Rep

Run one real or sample offer through the Deal Check with a parent or mentor before saying yes.

For teachers & facilitators

NIL rules differ by state and change often. Point high school families to their state athletic association and college athletes to their compliance office. This course is education, not legal or tax advice; encourage families to have any real contract reviewed by a qualified professional.

How progress is measured: Deal Checks completed, brand statements written and pitches recorded.