Top NIL Opportunities for College and High School Athletes
Hi! I’m Vickie, and for more than a decade, I’ve worked with thousands of athletes across the world, helping them build their brand and unlock NIL opportunities. What I want every student-athlete to know, whether you’re at a big-name school or a small-town high school, is this: there’s an NIL opportunity out there for you. You just might not know what it looks like yet.
You don’t have to be a social media star or signed to a D1 program to benefit from NIL. Let’s explore some of the most accessible (and sometimes surprising) opportunities that athletes just like you are already tapping into.
1. Local Business Partnerships
You might walk past your next NIL opportunity every day.
Think:
Your local coffee shop
Hair salon or barbershop
Chiropractor or physio
Sportswear store
Family-run restaurant
These businesses love supporting local athletes, especially when you’re involved in the community. NIL with them could look like: a free meal, a sponsored post, or even a paid collab for an in-store event.
One athlete I worked with created a simple partnership with her gym. She shared a weekly workout video and got her membership covered in return. It’s a win-win!
2. Social Media Collabs (Even with Small Followings)
You don’t need 10k+ followers to make an impact. Brands often prefer athletes who are authentic and connected with their community.
Here’s what’s working:
Creating a reel or TikTok using a product you genuinely love
Sharing your story and how a brand fits into your lifestyle
Offering discount codes or doing a giveaway
The key is that it feels like you, not an ad.
3. Speaking and Appearance Opportunities
You’ve got a powerful story, and people want to hear it.
Schools, community groups, and even companies are looking for athletes to speak at events, attend assemblies, or join panel discussions. You might get paid, receive a gift, or build a valuable connection for future opportunities.
I’ve helped athletes speak at youth camps, health expos, and even workplace wellbeing sessions, no Instagram required.
4. Brand Ambassador Roles
Some companies offer long-term roles where you promote them across your platforms and appear at events. These roles are often about values alignment, not just fame.
If you care about sustainability, mental health, education, or equality. There are brands out there looking for athletes like you to help represent them.
5. Creative Projects and Side Hustles
Got a skill or passion outside of sport? That can become part of your NIL strategy.
Think about:
Selling custom artwork, clothing, or baked goods
Hosting sports clinics or private coaching sessions
Creating content around cooking, books, fashion, or fitness
When you combine your athletic platform with something personal, you create something memorable, and valuable.
Quick Reality Check: NIL = Relationships
Every NIL opportunity, big or small, starts with a relationship. Be respectful. Be reliable. And always say thank you. Most of all, be you, because that’s what people connect with.
3 Takeaways to Act On
✅ Look local first: your next NIL deal might be right in your community.
✅ Authenticity matters more than followers: be yourself, not a brand clone.
✅ Your story is your superpower: it opens doors far beyond social media.
You’re more than just an athlete, and NIL is more than just a deal. It’s a chance to build something now that can support your future, during and beyond sport.