Getting Started

What is GamePlan NIL?

GamePlan NIL is an AI-powered platform that connects student-athletes with brands, service providers, and fans for Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities. We streamline the entire NIL process—from discovering deals to ensuring compliance—making it easy for all parties to participate safely and effectively.

Is the platform free to use?

Creating an account and browsing is completely free for athletes, brands, and fans. We take a small service fee from completed transactions to cover platform costs, compliance monitoring, and customer support. Athletes keep 85% of their earnings, and brands only pay for successful partnerships.

How does the AI matching system work?

Our AI analyzes athlete profiles (sport, school, social media following, engagement rates, interests) and brand preferences (target audience, budget, campaign goals) to suggest optimal partnerships. The more complete your profile, the better the matches. You're always in control of which opportunities to accept.

Who can use GamePlan NIL?

Our platform is open to current student-athletes (NCAA D1, D2, D3, NAIA, JUCO), brands of all sizes looking to partner with athletes, service providers (photographers, agents, marketing professionals), and fans who want to support their favorite athletes through personalized content and merchandise.

How do I contact customer support?

You can reach our support team 24/7 through the chat widget on our website, by emailing [email protected], or by submitting a ticket through your account dashboard. We typically respond within 2-4 hours and offer priority support for urgent compliance questions.

Athlete Questions

How do I sign up as an athlete?

Click "Get Started" and select "I'm an Athlete." You'll need to provide your school email address for verification, basic profile information (name, sport, school, year), and connect your social media accounts. Verification typically takes 24-48 hours. Once approved, you can start receiving partnership opportunities immediately.

What types of NIL deals can I find?

You can find social media posts, product endorsements, personal appearances, autograph signings, content creation, brand ambassadorships, local business partnerships, meet-and-greets, personalized video messages, and more. Deals range from one-time posts ($50-$500) to long-term partnerships ($1,000+).

How much can I earn through NIL?

Earnings vary based on your sport, social media following, engagement rates, and school popularity. Some athletes earn a few hundred dollars per month, while top athletes can earn thousands. Our platform helps you maximize value through AI-powered pricing recommendations and multiple revenue streams.

Will NIL deals affect my eligibility?

No, if done correctly! Our platform ensures all deals comply with NCAA, state, and institutional rules. We automatically flag non-compliant opportunities and provide guidance on reporting requirements. We also offer compliance training and work with your school's compliance office to keep you protected.

How and when do I get paid?

Payments are processed within 5-7 business days after completing your deliverables and brand approval. Funds are deposited directly to your bank account or can be sent via PayPal, Venmo, or check. You keep 85% of the deal value. We provide detailed earnings reports for tax purposes.

Can I use an agent or representative?

Yes! You can add representatives to your account to help manage deals. This could be a parent, family member, certified agent, or marketing professional. They can view opportunities, negotiate terms, and manage communications on your behalf while you maintain final approval authority.

Brand Questions

How do I start a NIL campaign?

Click "Partner With Athletes" and complete the brand questionnaire. Describe your campaign goals, target audience, budget, and desired athlete characteristics. Our AI will suggest matching athletes, or you can browse our athlete directory. Most campaigns launch within 48 hours of approval.

What is the minimum budget for a campaign?

We work with budgets of all sizes! Small local campaigns can start at $500 for a few social media posts with one athlete. Mid-sized campaigns typically range from $2,500-$10,000. Enterprise campaigns with multiple athletes can scale to $50,000+. Our AI helps maximize ROI at any budget level.

How do you ensure athletes will deliver quality content?

All content goes through your approval before going live. Athletes submit drafts for review, and you can request revisions. We also rate athletes based on past performance (delivery time, content quality, engagement) so you can choose reliable partners. Payment is only released after your approval.

What ROI can I expect from NIL partnerships?

Brands typically see 3-5x ROI from NIL campaigns due to high engagement rates (5-10% vs. 1-2% for traditional influencers) and authentic connections with college audiences. We provide detailed analytics including reach, engagement, click-through rates, and conversions to measure campaign performance.

Are there any restrictions on NIL partnerships?

Yes. We prohibit partnerships involving alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, gambling, adult content, political campaigns, or anything that could jeopardize athlete eligibility. Some states and schools have additional restrictions. Our compliance team reviews all deals to ensure they meet all applicable regulations.

Can I work with multiple athletes at once?

Absolutely! Many brands run campaigns with 5-20 athletes simultaneously to maximize reach. Our dashboard makes it easy to manage multiple partnerships, track deliverables, approve content, and measure performance all in one place. Volume discounts are available for campaigns with 10+ athletes.

Fan Questions

How can I support my favorite athlete?

You can purchase personalized videos ($25+), autographed items ($20+), exclusive merchandise, book meet-and-greets, request event appearances, or send direct tips. Browse our athlete directory to find your favorite players and see what experiences they're offering. Every purchase directly supports their NIL journey.

How long does it take to receive a personalized video?

Most athletes deliver personalized videos within 24-48 hours. Each athlete's profile shows their average response time. You'll receive an email notification when your video is ready. If it's not delivered within 7 days, you'll automatically receive a full refund—no questions asked.

Are autographs guaranteed authentic?

Yes! Every autograph comes with a certificate of authenticity. All athletes are verified on our platform, and autographs are signed directly by the athlete (not stamped or printed). We have a zero-tolerance policy for fraudulent items and offer a money-back guarantee if authenticity is questioned.

Can I request specific content in my video message?

Absolutely! When ordering, you can include instructions about the occasion, names to mention, specific messages, inside jokes, or topics to discuss. Athletes will do their best to fulfill reasonable requests. Keep it appropriate and within 2-3 sentences of guidance for best results.

What if I'm not satisfied with my purchase?

We have a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you're not happy with your order, contact support within 7 days. We'll work with the athlete to redo it or provide a full refund. For personalized videos, if the athlete didn't follow your instructions, we'll request a new video at no extra charge.

Compliance Questions

How do you ensure NIL deals are compliant?

Our platform automatically screens all deals against NCAA rules, state laws, and institutional policies. We flag prohibited categories (alcohol, gambling, etc.) and quid-pro-quo arrangements. Our compliance team reviews complex deals, and we provide reporting tools to help athletes meet disclosure requirements with their schools.

Do athletes need to report NIL deals to their school?

Yes, most schools require athletes to report NIL deals before signing. Our platform generates compliance reports you can submit to your athletic compliance office. We can also integrate directly with your school's disclosure system. This protects your eligibility and keeps you in good standing.

What types of deals are prohibited?

Prohibited deals include: alcohol/tobacco/cannabis products, gambling/sports betting, adult entertainment, pay-for-play arrangements (tied to recruitment or performance), use of school logos without permission, and anything that conflicts with existing team sponsorships. Rules vary by state and institution.

Can international athletes participate in NIL?

It depends on their visa status. F-1 student visa holders face restrictions on earning income in the U.S. Some schools have found compliant ways for international athletes to participate (passive income, home country deals, etc.). We recommend consulting with your school's international student office before pursuing NIL opportunities.

What are the tax implications of NIL income?

NIL income is taxable as self-employment income. Athletes are responsible for paying federal and state income taxes, plus self-employment tax (15.3%). We provide Form 1099-NEC for tax filing and recommend setting aside 25-30% for taxes. We also offer financial literacy resources and can connect you with CPAs specializing in athlete taxes.

Does NIL affect athletic scholarships or financial aid?

NIL income does not affect athletic scholarships under current NCAA rules. However, it may impact need-based financial aid as it's considered income. Check with your school's financial aid office to understand the implications for your specific situation. Most athletes find NIL provides additional support beyond their scholarship.

Frequently Asked Questions