Navigating NIL as an International Student-Athlete

Written By Jacky Falkenberg

F-1 Visas and NIL Opportunities

Picture this: You're an international student-athlete who’s just landed a spot on a top-tier U.S. college team. You've got the talent, the drive, and now, with the new NIL rules, the potential to monetize your brand. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, there's a plot twist.

Take Beth Coulter, a golf prodigy from Northern Ireland who’s now swinging her clubs for Arizona State University (ASU). She attended mandatory NIL workshops with visions of endorsement deals dancing in her head. But there’s a catch: F-1 student visas, the type most international athletes hold, come with restrictions that prevent them from participating in NIL deals in the U.S. This leaves them watching their American teammates cash in while they’re stuck on the sidelines.

Beth’s frustration is echoed by many. While American athletes like Bronny James are pulling in estimated millions ($5.9 million in Bronny’s case), international athletes are navigating a maze of restrictions. They can engage in NIL deals in their home countries or earn passive income (like merchandise sales), but the big bucks from U.S. endorsements? Off-limits.

The Industry Implications

This situation isn’t just a bummer for individual athletes; it’s reshaping the entire college sports industry. Opendorse projects the NIL market will hit $1.67 billion for the 2024-2025 academic year. But here's the kicker: The lion's share of this revenue (about 71%) is flowing through the "Super 2" conferences—the Big Ten and SEC. This creates a growing divide between the haves and the have-nots in college sports.

The imbalance extends beyond conferences to the athletes themselves. While top football and men's basketball players command the highest NIL earnings, international athletes are left grappling with financial constraints. This disparity not only affects the athletes’ pockets but also impacts college recruiting and the overall competitiveness of teams.

Game Plan for International Athletes

So, what’s an international student-athlete to do? Here are some actionable steps to help you navigate the NIL landscape and maximize your potential:

  1. Know Your Rights: Get familiar with your visa restrictions and explore legal NIL opportunities. Your university’s compliance office or a sports law expert can be valuable resources.

  2. Seek Passive Income: Look into passive income avenues, like merchandise sales or licensing deals. Remember Purdue’s Zach Edey? He made $800,000 through a jersey deal with the Purdue Team Store.

  3. Leverage Your Home Country: If you have a strong following back home, sign deals with brands there and promote them during breaks or after graduation. Washington Mystics forward Aaliyah Edwards signed with Adidas Canada while still in college.

  4. Build Your Brand: Use social media and other platforms to connect with fans and showcase your journey. A robust personal brand can open doors to various opportunities, both during and after your college career.

  5. Advocate for Change: Join forces with other athletes and advocates pushing for policy changes. Support initiatives like Senator Pete Ricketts’ bill, which aims to allow NIL opportunities for international athletes on F-1 visas.

The NIL landscape is dynamic and full of opportunities, even with the challenges it presents. By staying informed, being strategic, and advocating for fairer policies, you can carve out your own success story. Remember, the game isn’t just about what happens on the field or court; it’s about how you navigate the entire playing field of opportunities. Keep hustling, stay focused, and always aim high. Stay tuned for more updates, tips, and strategies to make the most of your sports journey!

For other Name, Image, and Likeness resources, check out these articles:

Jacky Falkenberg
Previous

Tyler Perkins: Kicking Off Generosity with NIL
Next

Oregon's Title IX Challenge and What It Means for You