For Families, Not the Industry
Your kid got an NIL offer.
Now what?
We explain NIL to families in plain English.
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$2.6B
NIL Market Size (2026)
40+
States Allow HS NIL
68%
Deals Worth Under $1K
15.3%
Self-Employment Tax Rate
Estimate Your Value
NIL Earnings Calculator
1. Athletic Profile
2. Digital Influence
3. Marketability & Geography
The Basics
How does NIL money actually work?
Brand Deals Most Common
Typical range: $50–$50,000+
Collectives Controversial
Range: $500–$500,000+/year
Revenue Sharing NEW in 2026
Estimated: varies by program
Social Media & Content
Range: $50–$10,000 per deal
Camps & Appearances
Range: $200–$5,000 per appearance
Merchandise
Range: $100 to $100,000+
Live Database
NCAA Collective Valuation Tracker
Track estimated base salaries and collective pool valuations for Power 4 athletes. We use this verifiable data table to benchmark offers, providing high-authority market intelligence for families.
UPDATED: Q2 2026
| Conference | Sport | Avg. Starter Base | Market Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEC | Football (QB) | $400,000 - $1.2M+ | ↑ RISING |
| Big Ten | Men's Basketball | $150,000 - $600,000+ | ↑ RISING |
| ACC | Women's Basketball | $80,000 - $250,000+ | ↑ FASTEST GROWING |
| Big 12 | Football (Non-QB) | $100,000 - $350,000+ | ↔ STABLE |
| Group of 5 | All Major Sports | $15,000 - $75,000+ | ↓ COOLING |
Protect Your Family
Contract red flags every parent needs to know
🚩 "Perpetual" License
🚩 Zombie Commissions
🚩 Rush Tactics
🚩 Vague Pay
🚩 Broad Exclusivity
🚩 Locked In
🚩 Family Conduct
🚩 Fake Triggers
The #1 rule: Have an attorney review every single deal
A bad contract can cost tens of thousands.
State-By-State
Can your high schooler sign an NIL deal?
| State | HS NIL Status | Key Restrictions | Notes |
|---|
The Part Nobody Talks About
Your kid owes taxes on every dollar of NIL money
15.3%
Self-Employment Tax
Paid on top of regular income tax.
$400
Filing Threshold
If net income is over $400, file a return.
1099
Forms You'll Get
Free products are also taxable.
~33%
Effective Tax Rate
Save 30-33% for taxes immediately.
Go Deeper
Guides & Reports
Tax Alert · March 2026
March Madness, NIL, and Your Tax Bill — What Athletes Don't See Coming
What athletes need to do before April 15.
Policy Update
NCAA Revenue Sharing 2026
Breaking down the new NCAA revenue-sharing model.
Policy Update
Sponsor Patches on Uniforms
What athletes need to know about uniform patches.
Market Report
The NIL Market in 2025–26
Breakdown of NIL spending by sport.
Coming Soon
State-by-State: The Complete High School NIL Rulebook
Every state's rules in one place.
Coming Soon
NIL Contract Checklist
Checklist for parents before signing.
Free Download
The Parent's NIL Playbook
A free 12-page guide covering deals, taxes, and red flags.
✓ How NIL money breaks down
✓ 8 contract red flags
✓ Tax basics
✓ Agent vetting questions
✓ 10-point family checklist
📖
Free PDF Guide
NIL Questions Every Family Asks
What families need to know.
Does my kid have to pay taxes on NIL money?
Yes. You owe both income tax and a 15.3% self-employment tax.
Can high school athletes sign deals?
In most states, yes. Over 40 states allow it. Check our tracker above.
What's the difference between a collective and a brand deal?
A brand deal is a direct endorsement. A collective is a booster-funded pool.
Do I need an agent?
For most deals under $5,000, probably not. Over $10,000, hire a sports attorney instead.
Will NIL money affect my kid's scholarship?
It won't affect athletic scholarships, but it can reduce need-based financial aid.
What are the biggest contract red flags?
Long exclusivity, vague pay, no cancellation right, and "perpetual" use of your kid's face.
How much is a typical NIL deal worth?
68% of deals are under $1,000.
Can my kid lose their eligibility?
Yes, if it breaks NCAA or state rules.