As a collegiate athlete with the freedom to monetize your name, image, and likeness (NIL), signing a deal can be a lucrative opportunity to monetize one's personal brand. But remember: this is a business opportunity and it should be treated as one to make the most of it. This means it is essential to ask the right questions before entering into a partnership with a brand or company. Asking the right things and doing research will ensure that this partnership is aligned well with values and that the expectations are attainable. Here are 11 key questions to consider when going into a brand deal meeting. 

Related: Want To Cash In On Your Sport? 3 Ways INFLCR Can Help You Get a NIL Deal

11 Must-Ask NIL Questions

1. What are the brand's values and mission? Does the brand align with your personal values and beliefs?

2. What is the scope of the partnership? What are the brand's expectations of you as an athlete, and what are your obligations in return?

3. What are the financial terms of the deal? How much will you be compensated, and what are the payment terms?

4. What are the contract terms? What are the duration of the partnership, exclusivity clauses, and other terms that may affect your ability to work with other brands in the future?

Related: NIL Collectives: What are They and How are They Impacting College Athletics?

5. How will the brand use your name, image, and likeness? Will you have creative control over how your image is used?

6. What are the potential risks or downsides of the partnership? What are the potential consequences for your image or reputation if the partnership does not go as planned?

7. How will the brand measure the success of the partnership? What metrics will they use to evaluate the impact of your partnership?

8. How will the brand handle conflicts of interest? What measures will they take to ensure that the partnership does not interfere with your athletic obligations or cause conflicts with other endorsements or partnerships you have?

9. Will the brand provide any additional resources or support? For example, will they provide marketing or PR assistance to promote the partnership, or help you build your personal brand?

10. What is the brand's track record with other athlete partnerships? Have they worked with other athletes in the past, and if so, what was the outcome of those partnerships?

11. Will the brand provide any performance incentives? For example, will you receive bonuses or additional compensation if certain performance targets are met or exceeded?

By asking these questions, college athletes can make informed decisions about which brand partnerships align with their personal values and goals, negotiate contract terms, and protect their brand. Overall evaluating the potential benefits and risk of an NIL deal and guaranteeing that they are accepting the right partnerships. 

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* Originally published on May 30, 2023, by Amanda Fassold