(Editor’s Note: What follows is a weeklong plan for athletic directors to educate their staff and athletes about NIL. This article is excerpted from a guide written by Mark Koesterer, Founder of The Players NIL. To purchase the guide, visit https://www.amazon.com/NIL-ALL-30-Minute-Guide/dp/B0BW2QMGSQ)
As a college athletic director, helping your athletes learn more about Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) is an essential and proactive step to ensure their success both on and off the field. Here’s a plan for what you can do this week to educate your athletes about NIL:
Day 1: Monday – Introduction to NIL
- Hold a Team Meeting: Start the week with a team meeting to introduce the concept of NIL to all your athletes. Explain what NIL is, its significance, and how it impacts them as student-athletes.
- Guest Speaker: Invite a guest speaker, such as a sports agent, attorney, or a former professional athlete with experience with NIL, to talk to your athletes about the potential benefits and challenges.
Day 2: Tuesday – NCAA Guidelines and Rules
- Review NCAA Guidelines: Spend the day reviewing the NCAA’s NIL rules and guidelines. Emphasize the importance of compliance with these rules to avoid any eligibility issues.
- Provide Resources: Share resources and documents from the NCAA and your institution that explain NIL regulations in detail.
Day 3: Wednesday – Financial Literacy and Brand Building
- Financial Literacy Workshop: Organize a workshop or bring in a financial advisor to educate your athletes about budgeting, taxes, and managing their earnings from NIL opportunities.
- Brand Building Seminar: Host a seminar on personal branding, including social media management, public relations, and image maintenance. Help athletes understand how to create and maintain a positive online presence.
Day 4: Thursday – NIL Opportunities
- Panel Discussion: Arrange a panel discussion featuring successful athletes or alumni who have capitalized on NIL opportunities. They can share their experiences, challenges, and advice.
- Identify Opportunities: Help your athletes identify potential NIL opportunities in their respective sports and regions. Please encourage them to explore partnerships and collaborations with local businesses.
Day 5: Friday – Legal and Contractual Education
- Legal Considerations: Bring in a sports attorney or legal expert to explain the legal aspects of NIL agreements, including contract negotiation, rights, and responsibilities.
- Mock Negotiations: Conduct mock negotiation sessions where athletes practice negotiating NIL deals, emphasizing the importance of seeking legal counsel before signing contracts.
Day 6: Saturday – NCAA Compliance and Reporting
- Compliance Workshop: Review NCAA compliance requirements related to NIL and provide examples of scenarios that might violate the rules. Ensure athletes understand their responsibilities.
- Reporting Process: Explain the process for reporting NIL agreements to your institution’s compliance department. Ensure athletes are aware of their disclosure obligations.
Day 7: Sunday – Q&A and Recap
- Open Q&A Session: End the week with an open Q&A session where athletes can ask any remaining questions or seek clarification on NIL-related topics.
- Recap and Resources: Provide a summary of the week’s discussions, key takeaways, and a list of resources they can refer to for ongoing guidance.
Throughout the week, encourage open communication and make yourself available for one-on-one discussions with athletes who may have specific questions or concerns. NIL education is an ongoing process, so consider scheduling periodic follow-up sessions to ensure your athletes stay informed and compliant with the evolving rules and opportunities in the NIL landscape.
