The NIL Advantage Nobody’s Talking About
The NIL era has changed the game for collegiate-athletes. In the past few years, they have been able to earn money from brands for their Name, Image, and Likeness while competing in college. Now, with the NCAA’s House case settlement, they can also be paid directly by their schools. The NIL opportunity has never been bigger, but so is the competition.
The athletes who want to win long term in NIL aren’t the ones with the biggest stats or the most followers, they’re the ones who know exactly who they are and can tell that story with confidence.
Why “Who You Are” Matters
At The Branded Athlete (TBA), we believe every NIL journey should start with a simple but powerful question: What do you believe in?
Your core values, what we call Brand Beliefs, define what matters most to you. They’re the foundation for your story, your image, and the brands you partner with.
When you’re clear on your Brand Beliefs, NIL deals stop being short-term transactions and start becoming something much deeper: Brand Alliances. These are authentic, long-term relationships that deliver powerful personal and financial value.
The Power of Brand Alliances
In the old model, a brand paid you to post something, wear something, or show up somewhere. Once it was over, so was the relationship.
In the new model, brands align with your beliefs and values. They’re not just paying for your reach; they’re investing in your influence. You, in turn, become a trusted extension of their story, and they become part of yours.
Where Schools Come In
With the NCAA’s House case settlement, schools can now invest directly in athletes beyond just scholastic and financial support. That means helping athletes build their brand identity can be a recruiting differentiator and NIL multiplier.
Imagine a school saying:
“Not only do we support you financially, we invest in who you are and who you’re becoming.”
That’s exactly the gap TBA fills, giving every athlete the tools to discover, define, and share their personal brand with the world.
The Takeaway
In NIL, the biggest deals will go to the athletes who are more than just talented, they’re self-aware, authentic, and aligned with the right partners.
When you know your Brand Beliefs, you’re not just chasing deals. You’re building a brand that lasts.
Contact: The Branded Athlete.