How Parents Can Help Their Athlete Secure NIL Deals Without Overstepping
When NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) entered the world of student-athletes, it created something brand new: a space where sports, business, and personal brand come together. For young athletes, this can be exciting. For parents, it often brings up the question:
How do I support my child’s NIL journey without doing too much?
It’s a smart question. Because while your support matters more than ever, there’s a difference between being involved and unintentionally taking over. Here’s how to walk that line with confidence and care.
Step 1: Be a Guide, Not a Manager
Your child needs support, but more than that, they need space to take ownership. NIL isn’t just about making money. It’s about learning to make decisions, communicate, and build confidence.
What this might look like:
Help them brainstorm ideas, but let them pick the direction
Offer to review an email draft, but let them send it
Talk through options, but give them room to choose
This is about helping them build capability, not controlling the outcome.
Step 2: Create Calm, Behind-the-Scenes Support
One of the most valuable things you can do is help your child stay grounded and organized. NIL brings real-world opportunities that often come with real-world responsibilities.
Here’s how you can help:
Set up a shared folder or checklist for deadlines and deliverables
Help them keep track of payments, agreements, and communication
Check in regularly without micromanaging
Think of yourself as a quiet anchor in the background, keeping things steady.
Step 3: Remind Them What They’re Worth
A lot of student-athletes underestimate what they bring to the table. Maybe they aren’t the top scorer, or maybe they don’t have thousands of followers. But NIL isn’t just for the loudest or most visible. It’s for athletes who show up with honesty, effort, and something real to share.
You can say things like:
“You’ve worked hard. You’ve got a story people care about.”
“It’s not about being famous. It’s about being a great fit.”
“A business would be lucky to work with someone like you.”
Even simple encouragement builds long-term confidence.
What Not to Do
It’s tempting to step in and manage everything, especially when contracts or money are involved. But overstepping takes away the chance for your child to grow through this experience.
Here are a few things to avoid:
Speaking on their behalf without asking
Pushing them into deals they’re unsure about
Making decisions based on what you would do, instead of what they want
Let them lead, and be there to support, not to steer.
Where Parents Can Add Real Value
The sweet spot is being present but not pressuring. You don’t need to be the driver. You just need to be someone who helps them figure out where they want to go, and how to get there.
When they know you’re in their corner (but not in control) they’re more likely to trust themselves, speak up, and learn from the experience.
Quick Takeaways
✅ Let them take the lead on decisions
✅ Offer calm, steady support in the background
✅ Use encouragement to build their confidence
✅ Avoid the urge to take over
You don’t need to have all the answers. NIL is new for everyone. But when you focus on staying connected and supportive, you become part of the process in the most impactful way.
Your athlete has a voice, a story, and so much potential. And with your steady support, they can step into these new opportunities feeling prepared and empowered.