What Makes a Great NIL Opportunity?

3 Questions Parents Should Ask Before Saying Yes

With NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals popping up in more schools, sports, and communities, a growing number of student-athletes are being offered opportunities to partner with brands, businesses, and events.

That’s exciting! But also a little overwhelming.

As a parent, it’s natural to want to protect your child from anything that feels rushed, confusing, or not quite right. But how do you know what actually makes an NIL opportunity great? And what should you look out for before your child says yes?

You don’t need to be an NIL expert to ask the right questions. In fact, just three thoughtful questions can help you feel more confident supporting your athlete as they navigate these early opportunities.

Let’s go through them.

1. Does this opportunity align with who my child is?

NIL is built on personal brand, which means the best deals are the ones that feel natural and authentic.

If your child is being asked to promote a product or speak at an event, take a step back and ask:

• Is this something they believe in or would use?

• Does the business or organization align with their values?

• Will it help them build the kind of reputation they want?

Why this matters: Long-term brand growth comes from consistency. Even if the offer sounds good on paper, it can hurt their credibility if it doesn’t align with who they really are.

2. Is the value exchange fair?

In a great NIL deal, both sides win. Your child brings value through their time, story, presence, or influence, and the business offers something meaningful in return.

That value can be financial (like payment or a stipend), non-financial (like free gear, experiences, or connections), or a mix of both.

As a parent, ask:

• What exactly is being offered?

• What’s being expected in return?

• Does the deal feel balanced?

Why this matters: Young athletes might jump at free products or a chance to be “sponsored,” but not all deals are worth the time or energy. Helping them understand their time and brand have value sets them up for smart decision-making.

3. Is this a safe and supportive experience?

Before saying yes, make sure the opportunity is clear, respectful, and professional.

Here’s what to check for:

• Is there a written agreement or clear terms?

• Are they dealing with someone credible and trustworthy?

• Is your child comfortable with the type of exposure or work involved?

Why this matters: A great NIL experience builds confidence. A stressful or unclear one can cause doubt or even harm their brand. Your guidance can help them spot red flags and advocate for themselves in the right way.

Quick Parent Tips

✅ Don’t feel pressure to say yes quickly. Help your child take time to ask questions and understand the details.
✅ Encourage them to be curious, not just flattered. The best deals are about more than attention. They’re about alignment and growth.
✅ Use these moments as teachable ones. Every NIL conversation is a chance to build life skills: negotiation, communication, self-awareness.

Final Word

Great NIL opportunities do exist: at every level, for every kind of athlete. But they don’t always come with a neon sign. Sometimes, it takes a calm conversation and a few key questions to see if something truly fits.

As a parent, you don’t have to know it all. You just need to stay connected, ask good questions, and remind your child that they are allowed to take up space, say no, or ask for more clarity.

With your support, they’ll learn how to choose opportunities that help, not distract, from the bigger picture.