Moms, dads, grandparents, guardians
You are the first line of defense
When the offers start, the circle around your athlete gets bigger overnight. Most of it is love. Some of it is somebody looking for a cut. This page is for the person who has to tell the difference.
Before anyone signs anything
8 questions to ask any agent
- 1Are you certified by the players association for this sport? Can I see your certification?
- 2What percentage do you take on the playing contract, and what percentage on endorsements? Put both in writing.
- 3How many clients do you have right now, and who will actually answer my phone call?
- 4Do you, or anyone you work with, get paid if my child uses a certain financial advisor, lawyer, or business manager?
- 5Have you ever been disciplined, suspended, or sued by a client? (Then check it yourself.)
- 6Can we end this agreement, and what do we owe if we do?
- 7Will you ever have access to my child's bank or investment accounts? (The right answer is no.)
- 8Can you walk me through the last contract you negotiated that was similar to this one?
High school and college NIL
Read the deal before a minor signs it
In most states a parent or guardian signs for an athlete under 18, which means you are the one reading the fine print. Go through these six checks on every deal, even the small ones.
- Who is paying, and is it a real business you can look up?
- What exactly does your athlete have to do, how many times, and by what date?
- Can they use your child's name and picture forever, or only during the deal?
- Does it use school logos, uniforms, or a banned category (alcohol, gambling, vaping, adult products)? Most states forbid those for high schoolers.
- Does it lock your child into one agent or one company for years?
- Has a lawyer who works for YOU, not for the other side, read it?
Keep the money in the athlete's name
NIL money belongs to your child. A custodial account (UTMA) or a separate account in their name keeps it clean, and it becomes fully theirs at the age your state sets, usually 18 or 21.
Set the tax money aside first
Nobody withholds taxes from NIL payments. Move 25% to 35% into a separate savings account the day each payment lands.
Be the no
Your athlete can say, 'My mom handles that.' It takes the pressure off them and puts every request through someone who will ask questions.
Guides for families
Friends, Family, and Saying No Without Losing Them
The money pull is real and it comes from love as often as from need. How to set a giving budget, run a family fund, avoid cosigning and house traps, handle gift tax, and say no kindly.
8 min read
Buying Mom a House: Give It or Keep It?
It is the first thing a lot of players do, and it should be. But whose name goes on the deed changes the taxes, who controls the house, and who gets it later. Here is how to do it right.
8 min read
The NIL Money Guide for Athletes and Families
NIL money is self-employment income, and the IRS expects its share four times a year. Taxes, set-asides, the House settlement and revenue sharing, high school rules, minors and contracts, financial aid, and protecting eligibility.
9 min read
A Parent's Guide to Protecting Your Athlete
You got them here. Now the job changes. How to stay involved without becoming the manager by accident, the questions to ask any agent, how to read a contract, custodial accounts, and why somebody has to be the 'no.'
8 min read