What you do now… impacts everything later.
If you are a current student athlete, you are in a completely different era.
NIL has changed the game.
You can earn money.
Build a brand.
Create opportunities early.
But with that opportunity comes responsibility.
Because one day…
You will be a former student athlete.
This page is about helping you prepare for that now.
The Opportunity (And The Risk)
NIL gives you something most athletes never had:
Income while you’re still playing.
That’s powerful.
But here’s the reality:
- Most NIL money is temporary
- Most athletic careers are short
- The decisions you make now follow you later
This is not just about making money…
It’s about managing it the right way.
Step 1: Treat NIL Like a Business
If you are earning NIL income… you are a business.
Whether you realize it or not.
That means:
- You are responsible for your income
- You are responsible for your taxes
- You are responsible for your decisions
Things to consider:
- Setting up an LLC
- Opening a separate business bank account
- Keeping track of income and expenses
- Understanding contracts before signing
This is not extra… this is foundational.
Step 2: Don’t Spend Like It Lasts Forever
This is one of the biggest mistakes.
Money comes in… and it feels like it will keep coming.
But NIL income can be:
- Inconsistent
- Short-term
- Dependent on performance or visibility
Instead of asking:
“What can I buy?”
Start asking:
“What can I build?”
Step 3: Pay Your Taxes (Seriously)
This is where a lot of athletes get caught.
NIL income is typically 1099 income.
That means:
- Taxes are NOT taken out
- You are responsible for paying them
- You may need to make quarterly payments
A simple rule:
Set aside 30–40% of what you earn for taxes.
Not doing this can create problems fast.
Step 4: Start Building Early
You have something most people don’t:
Time.
Starting early matters more than anything.
Focus on:
- Saving money
- Investing consistently
- Building financial habits
Even small amounts now can grow into something meaningful later.
Step 5: Build Your Brand (The Right Way)
NIL is not just about money today.
It’s about opportunity tomorrow.
Think long-term:
- How do you want to be known?
- What do you stand for?
- What are you building beyond your sport?
Your brand can outlast your playing career…
If you build it intentionally.
Step 6: Think Beyond Sports Now
Most athletes wait until their career ends to think about life after.
That’s too late.
Start now:
- Explore career interests
- Build skills
- Network with people outside of sports
- Learn how money works
You don’t need to have it all figured out.
But you do need to start thinking.
Step 7: Surround Yourself With the Right People
Not all advice is good advice.
As you earn money, more people will have opinions.
Be careful who you listen to.
Build a team that includes:
- Trusted advisors
- Mentors
- People who understand your goals
The right guidance early can save you from big mistakes.
The Bridge to Life After Sports
Everything you do right now is building your future.
- The habits you create
- The money decisions you make
- The relationships you build
This is the bridge between being a current athlete…
And becoming a successful former student athlete.
Simple Game Plan
If you’re a current athlete, start here:
- Treat your NIL like a business
- Set aside money for taxes
- Don’t overspend
- Start saving and investing
- Build your brand with intention
- Think beyond sports
You don’t need to do everything perfectly.
You just need to start.
Final Thought
NIL is an opportunity.
But it’s also a test.
A test of discipline.
A test of decision-making.
A test of long-term thinking.
And the athletes who handle it the right way…
Won’t just win during their playing days.
They’ll win long after the game is over.