Our survey of 1,050 college athletes reveals the brutal truth about NIL compensation — and most brands are getting it wrong.
Read More
NIL brands either solve urgent problems or gradual improvements. The painkiller vs. vitamin framework explains why some solutions gain instant traction while others struggle forever. Athletes pay for painkillers immediately.
Read More
Gen Z trusts athletes over celebrities. College athletes deliver 6x higher engagement than influencers. Cultural relevance isn't bought—it's built through authentic partnerships. Smart brands invest in relationships, not one-off transactions.
Read More
Most brands chase NIL deals without real strategy. The smart winners ask: What business problem does this solve? NIL requires sports marketing expertise, not FOMO. Name your metric or stop.
Read More
Over 85% of NIL deals involve social media. NIL is influencer marketing. Smart brands don't pick athletes first—they define goals, then find partners who authentically connect with their audience.
Read More