The NCAA's adoption of NIL policy has allowed college-athletes to benefit off their name, image and likeness. Unfortunately, student athletes in non-revenue sports, who do not have the same level of recognition as football or basketball stars, have had difficulty cashing in. Steinbach of Athletic Business reports that over 60% of NIL deals have gone to college football players. For athletes in non-revenue sports, here are 10 ways to make NIL money.
1. Utilize Social Media
The most common way to make NIL money is through the creation of social media content. According to Opendorce, 47.8% of total NIL compensation is awarded for posts on social media. These posts that generate money require two things: a partnership with a company or organization and a large enough following on the platform to secure the deal. Savvy social media athletes such as twins Haley and Hanna Cavinder can make up to $35,000 for a single post.
If you are unsure about how to create a following on social media, seek out help from your university or ask your teammates for advice.
Related: How Universities Are Equipping Athletes with NIL Tools
2. Develop a Following Elsewhere
If you are not a social media savant, try building a following through another channel. For example, Darian Rencher, a running back for Clemson University, has leveraged his podcast The Players Club ‘21 to partner with Embassy Row and MOGL.
3. Charge for Personal Messages and Videos
You hold status as a collegiate athlete. Through platforms such as JenLoop and Cameo, you can make money by sending out personalized messages. Both sites are tailored to fit users, you can control demand by setting the price you want to charge per message. For those with a strong existing fan base, personal messages are a great way to connect with your followers. If you are less well-known, sending out messages can help create a loyal following
4. Partner with Local Businesses
Take advantage of the notoriety of your college or university and strike up deals with neighborhood staples. From restaurants to gyms to one-off marketing campaigns with bigger companies, there is a bevy of opportunities within your local market.
5. Create a Brand
Don't be afraid to market yourself! Do you have a nickname, interesting hobby, or hidden talent? Find your niche and position yourself to a relevant audience or industry. For example, Ga'Quincy “Kool-Aid” McKinstry, a University of Alabama DB, utilized his nickname to land a deal with Kool-Aid.
Related: 6 Most Interesting NIL Deals
6. Auction Off Autographed Items
12.8% of NIL money is earned from selling players' signatures on products. Try auctioning off a signed jersey, sports ball, or other item in a raffle.
7. Do It as a Team!
Work with your teammates to add value to an NIL deal. Most recently, the Alabama Women's Gymnastics Team cashed in on a teamwide deal with CrowdPush, a crowdfunding campaign site. Additionally, the Florida State Softball Team has partnered with FTX, a cryptocurrency exchange.
8. Wear Company Merch Around Campus
Reach out to organizations and offer to wear their merchandise around campus. With little risk to the company and minimal time burdens for the athlete, this is one of the safest ways to profit off of the NIL.
Related: Rate your Coaches, Facilities, and Campus Visits
9. Get Free Food and Other Perks Instead of Money
Madison Furman, a pitcher on the VCU baseball team, has partnered with Roots Natural Kitchen, a fast casual chain in the Richmond area. Instead of collecting a specific dollar amount, Furman receives free Roots food for the school year in exchange for posting about the restaurant on social media. He estimates that he has gotten somewhere between 60-80 bowls free during the fall semester.
10. Be Proactive in Reaching out to Brands and Businesses
Blake Lawrence, the CEO of the branding company Opendorse, finds that the biggest difference between revenue and non-revenue athletes is how they engage with business. While revenue athletes may be courted by companies, it is important for non-revenue athletes to make the first step in attracting company interest.
Related: Navigating NIL Deals: What's Off Limits?
11. Perform Acts of Kindness
Try to set up roots within your community by volunteering, responding to messages, and even supporting local establishments. While these actions are not direct paths to securing NIL money, these acts of kindness can help grow your following and lead to opportunities down the road.
NIL rules are different from state to state, so make sure you check what's allowed at your college. Opendorse is a great resource to find an up-to-date breakdown of NIL policy.
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* Originally published on March 28, 2022, by Chloe Singer
