NIL glossary
What is endorsement disclosure?
Endorsement disclosure is the requirement, under the Federal Trade Commission's Endorsement Guides, that an athlete or influencer clearly tell their audience when a post is paid for or they received something free from the brand.
On this page
In detail
The disclosure should be in the post itself, hard to miss, in plain words such as "ad" or "sponsored", and spoken in video or live content where the endorsement is spoken. The FTC advises not to rely only on a platform's built-in label.
Frequently asked questions
Do athletes have to label NIL posts as ads?
Yes. If a brand paid you or gave you something, the FTC's Endorsement Guides require a clear disclosure in the post.
Sources
- 16 CFR Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising — Electronic Code of Federal Regulations
- Disclosures 101 for Social Media Influencers — Federal Trade Commission
This is general information, not legal advice. NIL rules differ by state, school, association and sport, and they change often. Check the official sources linked on this page and talk with your school's compliance office, your state association or a licensed attorney before you sign anything.