NIL guide
Affiliate selling for athletes
An affiliate link credits you when someone buys through it, and you earn a commission on that sale. Because you earn money from the link, the FTC treats it as a material connection: say clearly in the post itself that it is an ad or affiliate link, such as "#ad" or "affiliate link," where people see it without clicking "more."
Covers federal advertising disclosure guidance and general tax guidance only. State NIL laws, school and association rules differ; this is not legal or tax advice.
Key facts
- An affiliate commission is a material connection to the seller, so the FTC's Endorsement Guides expect you to disclose it.
- Put the disclosure in the post or video itself, near the link, in plain words; a disclosure only in your bio is not enough.
- Only recommend products you have actually used, and only say what is true about them.
- Commissions are income: keep records of what you earn.
On this page
How an affiliate link works
A store gives you your own link. When a shopper clicks it, the store remembers you for a set number of days (its cookie window), and if they buy in that time, the order is credited to you and you earn a commission on it.
Commissions are usually held for a while after the sale in case the buyer returns the item, then paid. Most programs pay nothing on your own purchases through your own link.
Disclose it every time
- Say it plainly: "#ad," "ad" or "affiliate link." Vague tags like "#sp" or "#partner" alone are not clear enough.
- Put it where people will see it: at the start of the caption or right next to the link, not after "more" and not only in your bio.
- In video, say it out loud as well as on screen, and repeat it during long streams.
- On a page that lists your picks, label the section as affiliate links.
Our guide to disclosing sponsored posts covers paid and gifted posts the same way.
Under 18
If you are under 18, a parent or guardian should approve affiliate selling before you start, and your earnings should not be shown publicly. Many state NIL laws and school policies set their own rules for minors, so check yours.
Your school's rules and taxes
Ask your school's compliance office whether affiliate commissions have to be disclosed under your school's or association's NIL rules. Reporting rules for affiliate income are not the same everywhere.
Commissions are taxable income. Keep a record of what you earn and talk to a tax professional about how to report it.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to say #ad on an affiliate link?
Yes, a clear disclosure is expected whenever you earn money from a link; "#ad" or "affiliate link" next to the link works.
Is a disclosure in my bio enough?
No. The FTC advises putting the disclosure with the post or video itself, because people may never see your bio.
Do I earn on my own purchases?
Usually not; most affiliate programs, including Endorse Source, pay no commission on a purchase made through your own link.
Next steps
Sources
- Disclosures 101 for Social Media Influencers — Federal Trade Commission
- FTC's Endorsement Guides: What People Are Asking — Federal Trade Commission
- 16 CFR Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising — Electronic Code of Federal Regulations
- Gig Economy Tax Center — Internal Revenue Service
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.