College athletes now have more ways to capitalize on their brands thanks to Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations, but there are drawbacks, such as the possibility of recruiting violations. The following are a few NIL concerns connected to recruitment violations: 

1. Unfair Recruitment Incentives

To get high school athletes to commit to their program, schools or boosters may employ NIL deals as recruitment incentives. These arrangements offer rich endorsement chances. This might be against NCAA regulations, which are designed to keep recruiting on an even playing field. 

2. Illegal Benefits

NIL agreements cannot be utilized as a pretext for giving student-athletes illegal benefits. Instead, they must be based on the fair market worth of the services rendered. It is the responsibility of schools and boosters to make sure that the payment for NIL transactions is correct. 

3. Influence of Third Parties

When negotiating NIL contracts for student-athletes, third-party advisors or agents may have a big say. Recruitment violations may result if these people exert undue influence on a student-athlete's recruitment choices. 

4. Lack of Transparency

To prevent recruiting violations, NIL arrangements must be transparent. Concerns about whether student-athletes receive unfair compensation as part of the recruiting process may arise if agreements are unclearly written. 

5. Violation of School Guidelines

Regarding NIL transactions, schools may have their own rules and regulations. Violations of these policies may result in possible consequences if they are willfully disregarded during the recruiting process. 

6. Competitive Imbalance

NIL agreements may lead to an unequal playing field in college athletics. Better financially endowed universities and booster organizations may be able to provide student-athletes with more lucrative options. If the NCAA is concerned about this, regulations may alter as a result. 

7. Legal Compliance

It is vital to make sure that NIL transactions abide by all applicable laws and regulations. Make sure you do this to avoid legal repercussions impacting a school's recruitment efforts. 

8. Influence on Amateurism

The concept of amateurism in collegiate athletics has long been supported by the NCAA. The overall integrity of collegiate athletics may be impacted by unduly favorable NIL deals or the belief that student-athletes are no longer amateurs. 

To reduce these risks, different programs, student-athletes, and parties engaged in NIL transactions must understand the laws and procedures governing NIL, uphold transparency, and ensure that deals are set up in a way that conforms with NCAA and legal standards.

New concerns about NIL and recruiting may require the NCAA and individual colleges to modify their policies and guidelines.

* Originally published on January 8, 2024, by Liza Tankimovich