NIL STARTER KIT
you're
READY
LET'S JUMP IN
3 steps to get started in NIL + set yourself up for success
1
SET GOALS
start thinking big picture
2
JOIN
your school's collective(s)
3
SIGN UP
for NIL marketplaces
take your time completing the guide!
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1
set your
GOALS
You do NOT need to figure it all out now!
Take on a long-term focus to find purpose and direction. Be mindful about where you’re going to protect your time and energy.
Know what motivates you + prioritize the top things you want to accomplish during your time as a student-athlete.
3 BIG QUESTIONS
to start thinking about
What does winning in NIL look like to you?
- Set a baseline goal: “I’d be happy if _______ “
- Set a level 100 goal: “I would be INSANELY excited and grateful if _______”
- Set your anti-goals: I want to avoid _______
What do you want your legacy to be?
What’s your “WHY” for pursuing NIL opportunities?
Write your answers on paper...
it's more powerful
OPTIONAL: Take this 3-minute quiz to see how 4 rewarding monetization options fit your personality
it's about to get REAL
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2
join your school's
COLLECTIVE
First, check this tracker to see if your school has a collective.
Collectives are awesome because they are made specifically to help student-athletes at your school. See if yours is a good fit!
JOIN
No sign-up link? Reach out via email or DM with this template.
Hi there, I’m [Full Name], and I am a [year in school] on the [sport] team here at [university].
I am interested in getting involved with [collective] and learning more about the NIL opportunities you have to offer! I look forward to working together.
you're already thriving
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pause + take a deep breath
Step 3 can take 15-25 minutes.
I’ll send you a reminder to finish the guide in a few days if you’re not ready now.
3
sign up for NIL
MARKETPLACES
NIL marketplaces are safe platforms that facilitate NIL activity.
I’m here to help you efficiently sign-up for a few of my favorite marketplaces (actually worth joining).
1. Pick a profile pic
A sports photo where you can clearly see your face is great. Save it in a place where you can easily upload it to multiple websites.
2. Social Handles
Have your social media handles and log-in information ready to go, so you can connect your accounts to each marketplace.
3. Write a short bio
Save it to copy and paste.
Here’s a template you can use…
- I’m [Name], a student-athlete on the [school] [sport] team.
- [Message you hope to share and/or content you like to create]
- [3+ hobbies or interests that could match you with brands]
- [Any other relevant information]
- EXAMPLE (MY BIO)
- I’m Leah, a gymnast at the University of Florida. I hope to share a message of playfulness in sport, and I enjoy creating content that inspires people to live vibrant, healthy lives.
- You’ll often find me cooking up healthy vegetarian eats and jamming to my favorite music. I am fascinated by investing and tech, and I enjoy traveling and immersing myself in new cultures and experiences. Adventure and opportunity are always calling!
4. Register
Here are 5 trusted marketplaces to get you started. They’re all free to sign up for!
*contains a referral link
Marketplaces are great because they streamline the sponsorship process and connect you with brands that are actually interested in working with athletes. They’re safe and easy to use.
In reality, over 90% of my NIL activities have taken place outside of NIL marketplaces.
Keep your expectations intact
Registering is like “entering the arena.”
It does NOT guarantee NIL opportunities.
Today, put yourself where awesome NIL deals can happen!
Explore each platform periodically and apply for any campaigns you’re interested in!
wow - you're a rockstar
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YOU’RE ALREADY WINNING!
CONGRATULATIONS! You just took your first steps toward NIL success.
Now, just keep an eye on your inbox! I’ll send along more free resources to help you build your brand and get great sponsorship deals. Stay tuned!