07/20/2026
The biggest risk in NIL isn't the money. It's the lack of financial education.
The headlines focus on seven-figure NIL deals and multimillion-dollar recruiting classes. But after working directly with collegiate athletes and their families, I've become convinced the bigger story isn't how much money athletes are making...
It's how unprepared many are to manage it.
These young athletes are balancing school, training, competition, media obligations, and suddenly—more financial responsibility than many adults have ever experienced.
Unfortunately, we've also seen firsthand that success attracts attention.
We've watched athletes become targets for questionable investment opportunities, insurance products they don't need, and advisors more interested in gathering assets than providing education. Young people with growing wealth and an exciting future can be easy targets for those looking to profit from their inexperience.
This isn't because they're careless.
It's because no one has taught them how to navigate this new reality.
Financial education should be just as important as strength training, nutrition, sports psychology, and academic support.
Every athlete should understand:
• How NIL income is taxed.
• How to evaluate financial advice.
• How to identify conflicts of interest.
• How to build a trusted team around them.
• How to turn today's income into lifelong financial security.
The athletes who build lasting wealth won't necessarily be the ones with the biggest NIL deals.
They'll be the ones who make the best financial decisions.
As NIL continues to reshape college athletics, I hope schools, families, and athletic departments recognize that financial literacy isn't an optional benefit anymore—it's a necessity.
The opportunity is life-changing.
The education should be too.
What role do you think colleges should play in preparing student-athletes for financial success beyond the game?
