NIL glossary
What is an institutional NIL agreement?
An institutional NIL agreement is a contract in which a college itself (or its designee) pays an athlete, usually for a license to use the athlete's NIL, and it counts against the school's revenue sharing cap.
On this page
In detail
These agreements must be in writing, signed, and entered in the College Athlete Payment System (CAPS) within five business days of final signature. They are not reported to NIL Go and are not reviewed for valid business purpose or range of compensation. A school may not sign one that runs past the athlete's eligibility, and it may include an offset clause tied to third-party deals, which cannot reduce what counts against the cap.
Frequently asked questions
Do I report a school NIL deal to NIL Go?
No. The school reports it in CAPS.
Sources
- Rules and Policies — College Sports Commission
- Frequently Asked Questions — College Sports 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.