Understand the SCORE Act and its impact on NIL. This guide breaks down the proposed national standards, what they mean for student-athletes and schools, and how federal legislation could shape the future of college sports.

Learn how to negotiate your first NIL contract with confidence. This step-by-step guide for student-athletes covers contract terms, compliance, taxes, and tips to protect your brand and maximize opportunities.

The NIL boom of 2025 has redefined college athletics, turning what began as side deals into a $1.9 billion industry that rivals professional sports. With revenue-sharing, endorsements, and collective incentives now central to recruiting and retention, athletes like Arch Manning and LaNorris Sellers are earning millions while still in school. College athletes are no longer just students—they’re brands and business owners, balancing contracts, managers, and media deals. This new reality reshapes competition, forces schools to adapt, and cements NIL as the cornerstone of college sports’ future.

The House v. NCAA settlement in 2025 has transformed college football by introducing a $20.5 million annual cap for direct athlete pay, redefining NIL and the future of amateurism. Athletes are now receiving on-the-books compensation from their schools alongside brand deals and collective incentives, creating a new era that blurs the line between student and professional. This shift raises major questions about Title IX, compliance, and competitive balance, while giving players unprecedented financial security and leverage in choosing programs.

College sports are shifting quickly with NIL money, the transfer portal, and new opportunities for athletes, but Title IX has remained largely untouched. While it has driven incredible progress for women’s athletics, it has also reduced opportunities for men in sports like soccer, wrestling, and gymnastics. With the World Cup on the horizon and growing debate over fairness in college athletics, the question is whether Title IX should evolve to meet today’s landscape.