Sarah Martinez
Soccer • Junior
University of Florida
Parent Role
Mom helped review contracts and set up tax withholding system
Sarah's parents helped her evaluate multiple NIL offers and negotiate better terms. They established a system where 50% of earnings go to a college fund, 30% to taxes, and 20% for personal expenses. This structure taught financial responsibility while building long-term wealth.
NIL Partnerships
Sports Nutrition Brand
12 Instagram posts, 4 TikTok videos, quarterly appearances
Athletic Training Facility
Weekly training sessions, social media promotion, community events
Local Restaurant Chain
4 promotional appearances, social media mentions
How Parents Helped
- ✓Parents reviewed all contracts with a lawyer before signing
- ✓Set up separate business checking account for NIL income
- ✓Created quarterly tax payment schedule with accountant
- ✓Established time limits to protect academic performance
- ✓Helped negotiate exclusivity clauses to maintain flexibility
Key Lessons
- •Having parents review contracts caught several unfavorable terms that would have been problematic
- •Setting aside tax money immediately prevented year-end stress
- •Time management rules kept academics as top priority
- •Family discussions about brand alignment ensured deals matched values
My parents helped me see NIL as a business opportunity, not just quick money. Their guidance taught me skills I'll use my whole life.
— Sarah Martinez
We wanted Sarah to benefit from NIL while learning financial responsibility. It's been an incredible teaching opportunity for our whole family.
— Parent
Marcus Johnson
Basketball • Sophomore
Duke University
Parent Role
Dad manages finances and coordinates with compliance office
Marcus's father, a former business owner, took an active role in managing his son's NIL portfolio. They treat it like a small business with proper bookkeeping, contract management, and strategic planning. This professional approach attracted higher-quality brand partnerships.
NIL Partnerships
Sneaker Brand
Exclusive wear, 20 posts, 2 events
Energy Drink Company
8 posts, product integration in content
University NIL Collective
Community service, fan engagement
Tech Company
Product reviews, social media content
How Parents Helped
- ✓Father created spreadsheet tracking all deals, deadlines, and deliverables
- ✓Parents vetted all brands for reputation and alignment with family values
- ✓Set up LLC for liability protection and professional image
- ✓Hired CPA specializing in athlete taxes
- ✓Established 'NIL board meetings' monthly to review opportunities
Key Lessons
- •Professional organization attracted better brands willing to pay premium rates
- •LLC structure provided legal protection and tax advantages
- •Monthly family meetings kept everyone aligned on goals and priorities
- •Having a parent coordinate with compliance office prevented any violations
My dad's business experience turned my NIL opportunities into a real enterprise. Brands respect our professionalism and it shows in the offers we get.
— Marcus Johnson
I wanted Marcus to learn business skills while capitalizing on this opportunity. NIL is temporary, but the lessons last forever.
— Parent
Emily Chen
Volleyball • Senior
Stanford University
Parent Role
Parents helped identify opportunities aligned with career goals
Emily's parents helped her focus on NIL deals that support her post-graduation career goals in sports medicine. Rather than maximizing short-term income, they prioritized partnerships that build her professional network and resume.
NIL Partnerships
Physical Therapy Clinic
Social media, patient testimonials, community education
Sports Medicine Brand
Product testing, athlete testimonials, educational content
Youth Volleyball Camp
Coaching sessions, promotional content
How Parents Helped
- ✓Parents helped identify brands in her target career field
- ✓Prioritized deals offering mentorship and networking over maximum pay
- ✓Negotiated for professional development opportunities in contracts
- ✓Connected NIL activities to graduate school applications
- ✓Helped maintain focus on academics despite NIL opportunities
Key Lessons
- •NIL can be a career-building tool, not just income
- •Lower-paying deals with the right partners can be more valuable long-term
- •Parents' professional networks opened doors to quality opportunities
- •Strategic thinking about post-athletic career paid dividends
My parents helped me see beyond the dollar signs. The connections I've made through NIL are already helping with my career plans after graduation.
— Emily Chen
We encouraged Emily to think strategically about NIL. The relationships she's building now will benefit her for decades.
— Parent
Tyler Washington
Track & Field • Freshman
University of Oregon
Parent Role
Parents established boundaries to protect student-athlete experience
Tyler's parents helped him establish clear boundaries around NIL to ensure it enhanced rather than overshadowed his college experience. They created rules about time commitment, deal selection, and academic priorities that kept NIL in proper perspective.
NIL Partnerships
Running Shoe Brand
Wear product, 6 posts, local event
Nutrition Company
Monthly content, product reviews
Local Gym
Quarterly appearances, social mentions
How Parents Helped
- ✓Established 'no NIL during season' rule to maintain athletic focus
- ✓Required minimum GPA to continue NIL activities
- ✓Limited total NIL commitments to 6 hours per week maximum
- ✓Helped evaluate whether deals would interfere with training
- ✓Created 'family veto' system for deals that didn't feel right
Key Lessons
- •Setting boundaries protected athletic performance and academics
- •Saying no to opportunities is sometimes the best decision
- •Quality of college experience matters more than maximum NIL income
- •Parents' perspective prevented burnout from over-commitment
My parents remind me I'm a student-athlete first. NIL is great, but it can't come at the expense of why I'm here.
— Tyler Washington
We want Tyler to look back on college with great memories, not regret that NIL took over his life. Balance is everything.
— Parent
Jessica Rodriguez
Softball • Junior
University of Texas
Parent Role
Mom handles all administrative tasks and compliance
Jessica's mother manages all the business side of NIL—contracts, payments, taxes, compliance reporting—allowing Jessica to focus entirely on athletics and academics. This division of labor maximizes efficiency while teaching business skills through observation.
NIL Partnerships
Softball Equipment Brand
Exclusive use, 15 posts, camps
Sports Drink Company
Social content, appearances
Local Car Dealership
Promotional events, social media
Clothing Brand
Seasonal campaigns
How Parents Helped
- ✓Mother maintains detailed records for all NIL activities
- ✓Handles all communication with brands and compliance office
- ✓Manages quarterly tax payments and financial planning
- ✓Negotiates contracts and reviews all legal documents
- ✓Teaches Jessica business skills through weekly review sessions
Key Lessons
- •Having a parent manage logistics freed up mental energy for athletics
- •Professional management led to better deals and fewer mistakes
- •Learning by watching parent handle business built confidence
- •Clear role division prevented NIL from becoming overwhelming
My mom handles the business stuff so I can focus on softball and school. I'm learning so much just by watching her work.
— Jessica Rodriguez
I have the time and business background to manage this properly. It's my way of supporting Jessica's dreams while teaching her valuable skills.
— Parent