Sports & NIL

Short answer: NIL Go is the clearinghouse operated by the College Sports Commission and Deloitte that reviews any third-party NIL deal over $600 at a House-settlement school for valid business purpose and fair market value.

Under the House v. NCAA settlement, athletes at participating schools must report third-party NIL deals over $600 to NIL Go. NIL Go evaluates two things: (1) whether the deal has a valid business purpose — meaning the payor is buying something other than a recruiting inducement; and (2) whether the compensation falls within a range that comparable, arm's-length endorsement deals would command for similar talent.

Deals flagged as outside fair market value can be denied, modified, or — in some cases — referred for further review. A denial does not automatically void the deal between the athlete and the brand, but it can trigger eligibility consequences. The bigger drafting risk is structuring a deal that NIL Go later concludes is a disguised collective payment.

Related deep-dives

• NIL revenue share guide