If you are a Division I athlete, reporting your NIL deals is not optional — it is how you stay eligible. Under the current system, deals at or above the reporting threshold must be submitted through NIL Go, the clearinghouse run by the College Sports Commission (CSC).
This guide explains what NIL Go is, which deals you have to report, what information you need, and the deadlines that matter — so a paperwork slip never costs you your season.
What is NIL Go?
NIL Go is the disclosure and review platform where Division I athletes report their NIL deals. It is operated by the College Sports Commission, the body created to administer NIL rules in the wake of the House settlement.
The purpose is to bring transparency to NIL: deals are reviewed to confirm they involve a real business purpose and fall within a reasonable range of compensation — not disguised pay-for-play.
Which deals do you have to report?
The current threshold is $600. Any NIL deal worth $600 or more generally must be disclosed through NIL Go. This includes cash payments and the fair market value of products, gear, or services you receive in exchange for promotion.
- Sponsored social media posts and content deals
- Appearances, camps, and autograph sessions
- Ambassadorships and ongoing brand partnerships
- Gifted product or services valued at $600 or more given in exchange for promotion
When in doubt, disclose. Reporting a deal that turned out not to require it is harmless — failing to report one that did can threaten your eligibility.
What information you need to submit
Have these details ready before you start a submission so it goes quickly:
- The name of the brand or business paying you
- What you agreed to do — the deliverables
- How much you are being paid (or the value of what you receive)
- The dates and duration of the deal
- A copy of the agreement or contract, if you have one
Deadlines that matter
Timing is part of compliance. Deals generally must be reported promptly — within a few days of signing or before the activity happens, depending on your school’s policy. Many programs require disclosure within about five days.
Because the exact window can vary by school and can change, treat reporting as something you do immediately when a deal is agreed, not something you save for later.
Set a reminder the moment you agree to a deal. NILvault’s compliance tools help you keep a record of every deal and its disclosure so nothing slips through the cracks.
What happens after you submit
Once submitted, a deal can be cleared or flagged for follow-up if it needs more information or appears outside the expected compensation range. If a deal is flagged, you may be asked for clarification before it is approved.
Keeping clean records — contracts, invoices, and proof of the work you did — makes any review painless and protects you if questions come up later.
Ready to act on this?
NILvault gives student athletes a free media kit, tax estimator, public page, and compliance toolkit — everything in this guide, built in.
Frequently asked questions
This guide is for educational purposes only and is not tax, legal, or financial advice. NIL rules and tax laws change frequently and vary by state and school. Always consult your compliance office and a qualified professional for your specific situation.