NIL guide
How to report an NIL deal to NIL Go
To report an NIL deal, a Division I athlete (or one designated representative) logs in to NIL Go and submits the deal's written terms within five business days of signing or agreeing to payment terms, for any third-party deal worth $600 or more in total. The College Sports Commission then reviews it and returns cleared, not cleared or flagged for additional review.
Key facts
- Required for third-party deals worth $600 or more in total with the same payer, counting products, bonuses and royalties.
- Deadline: five business days after signing or agreeing to payment terms (14 days after enrolling for incoming freshmen and transfers).
- You may name one representative to enter deals for you, but the submission is yours.
- Payments from your own school are not reported in NIL Go; the school reports them in CAPS.
- If asked for more documentation, you and the business have 14 calendar days to provide it.
- If a deal is not cleared, you have 14 days to choose arbitration.
On this page
Step 1: Decide whether the deal must be reported
Add up everything you will receive from the same business (and any companies under common ownership): cash, products and services, plus bonuses or royalties that could push the total higher. If it reaches $600, you must report it. Use the free NIL Go threshold checker if you are unsure. You may report smaller deals too.
Step 2: Gather the deal details
- The signed contract or written payment terms.
- Who the deal sponsor is (the business that benefits and provides the money) and any deal facilitator (an agency paying you on the sponsor's behalf).
- Exactly what you will do and when, so the commission can see a valid business purpose and real use of your NIL.
- The compensation, including the value of any products or services.
Step 3: Submit within five business days
Log in to NIL Go and enter the deal, or have your one designated representative enter it for you. The clock starts when you sign or agree to payment terms. Incoming high school, junior college and Division II or III transfer athletes report qualifying earlier deals within 14 days of enrolling, or before their first game.
Step 4: Respond to questions
The commission may ask you, the business or your school for more information. Under the rules, if documentation is insufficient, you and the business have 14 calendar days to provide more, or the deal may be rejected.
Step 5: Act on the result
- Cleared: the deal can proceed.
- Flagged for additional review: wait for the commission's guidance.
- Not cleared: revise and resubmit, cancel and refund any money received, or start neutral arbitration within 14 days by uploading the Form Demand for Arbitration in NIL Go. Going ahead with a not cleared or unreported deal can cost you your eligibility.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to report an NIL deal?
Five business days after signing or agreeing to payment terms, for current Division I athletes.
Who can submit a deal to NIL Go for me?
One representative you designate, such as a parent or agent, though the submission is yours.
Do I report payments from my school in NIL Go?
No. Your school reports institutional payments in the College Athlete Payment System.
Next steps
Sources
- Student-Athlete NIL Deals (NIL Go) — College Sports Commission
- Frequently Asked Questions — College Sports Commission
- Rules and Policies — College Sports Commission
- Enforcement and Neutral Arbitration — 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.