What Are NIL Deals and How Can I Get One? A Starter Guide
Hey, I’m Vickie, I’ve spent the last 11 years helping athletes all over the world (from Olympians and Paralympians to student-athletes just like you) build strong, authentic personal brands. Along the way, I’ve seen firsthand that NIL success isn’t just for athletes with big social media followings or those at top D1 schools! It’s for anyone who’s ready to learn what they bring to the table and how to share it.
So, let’s break this down: simple, straight-up, and without the hype.
What Even Is NIL?
NIL stands for Name, Image, and Likeness: it’s what makes you unique. It includes your name, how you look, your personality, your values, your skills, and your story.
A “NIL deal” is when a business or organization gives you something (money, products, or opportunities) in exchange for using your NIL in some way. That might be:
Wearing their gear in a post
Speaking at an event
Being featured in a campaign
Offering a discount code
Or just sharing your story in connection with their brand
Here’s the best part: there’s no single path. Some athletes build NIL opportunities through community connections. Others get creative with their hobbies, interests, or even career goals.
How Do You Actually Get a Deal?
Let’s make this feel doable. Here’s a simple 3-step way to get started:
1. Build Your Brand (You Already Have One)
Your brand isn’t just about followers or logos. It’s about what people know, feel, and remember about you.
Ask yourself:
What do I care about?
What’s my story?
What am I known for (or want to be)?
That clarity is the starting point for everything.
Example: One athlete I worked with was known for her love of books. She landed a NIL deal with a local bookstore. No uniform shots, no hashtags, just her being herself.
2. Get Visible, The Right Way!
You don’t need to post every day. Just show up consistently and authentically. Whether it’s sharing a workout, a win, or something you care about. Let people get to know you. Businesses support people, not just athletes.
Tip: Keep your social media public, professional, and you. Use your bio to say something about who you are beyond sport.
3. Start Local and Think Small
You don’t need to land a deal with Nike to make NIL work for you. Start by thinking about:
Local businesses you already know (gyms, coffee shops, hair salons)
Brands you use and love
Places where your values align
Reach out. Say why you like what they do, and suggest a simple way you could help each other out. A free smoothie for a social post? A speaking spot at their staff wellness day? That’s a NIL deal.
The Real Secret? You’re More Valuable Than You Think
I’ve worked with athletes who didn’t think they had anything to offer, until they realized their story, their journey, and even their struggles were exactly what a brand or community wanted to support and share.
You don’t need a massive audience. You don’t need to be the best on your team. You just need to show up as yourself and start building from there.
3 Simple Takeaways
✅ You already have a brand: start getting clear on what it is.
✅ NIL isn’t just social media: speaking, appearances, and connections count too.
✅ Start local, be real, and build relationships.
If you’ve got questions or feel stuck, you’re not alone. I’d love to hear what you’re working on or what’s holding you back, message me or drop a comment and I’ll help however I can. You’ve got this!