How to Vet a NIL Agent

Choosing a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agent is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a student-athlete. The right agent can help you build your brand, secure fair and legal deals, and protect your long-term earning potential. The wrong agent can cost you money, eligibility, and credibility — or worse, tie you to contracts that don’t reflect your goals.

In an industry growing faster than the rules can keep up, vetting your NIL agent is critical. Here’s how to do it right.

1. Check Their Experience in NIL and Athlete Representation

Start by asking:
“Have you represented athletes in NIL deals before?”

It’s not enough for someone to call themselves an “agent” — you need to know they understand this space. Ask about the kinds of athletes they’ve worked with, the size and scope of deals they’ve negotiated, and their experience with brands, universities, and compliance teams.

What to look for:

  • Experience with athletes at your level (high school, college)
  • Real examples of past NIL deals
  • Transparency about their role in each deal

2. Ask for Their Credentials

A good NIL agent should be professionally qualified. While there’s no single required license, many agents bring valuable credentials to the table.

Ask:
“What degrees, certifications, or training do you have that support your NIL work?”

Helpful credentials might include:

  • JD (Juris Doctor) for legal knowledge
  • MBA for business acumen
  • CPA or CFP® for financial and tax expertise
  • Athlete agent registration in your state (required in many states)
  • Completion of NIL agent education or compliance courses

If they have none of the above, ask how they stay informed and qualified.

3. Look Them Up on NILAgentDirectory.com

Before you take someone’s word for it, see what other athletes have to say.

Search for their name or business on NILAgentDirectory.com. You’ll find:

  • Public agent profiles
  • Services offered
  • States and sports covered
  • Verified athlete reviews
  • Fee structure (if provided)
  • Credentials and experience

If the agent isn’t listed, ask them to create a profile. This builds transparency and gives athletes like you a chance to compare and review agents side by side.

4. Ask About Their Fee Structure (and Get It in Writing)

A qualified agent should clearly explain how and when they get paid.

Ask:
“How do you charge for your services?”

Get clarity on:

  • Commission percentage (most charge 10–20% per deal)
  • Flat fees or monthly retainers
  • Whether they take a cut of deals you bring in yourself
  • Any upfront costs or hidden expenses
  • Whether they charge for contract reviews, consulting, or branding help

A vague answer is a red flag. Always ask for the terms in writing before signing anything.

5. Evaluate Their Communication Style

You’re not just hiring an agent — you’re choosing a partner. Pay attention to how they communicate before you even sign.

Ask:
“How often will we talk, and how involved will you be in my NIL journey?”

Look for agents who:

  • Listen more than they talk
  • Respond in a timely, professional manner
  • Respect your goals and don’t pressure you to sign
  • Are willing to walk you through the fine print

If they’re unresponsive, overly aggressive, or vague early on, it usually gets worse — not better.

6. Review Their Services and Support

Not all agents offer the same services. Some only negotiate deals. Others help with social media, branding, legal support, tax prep, and more.

Ask:
“What services do you personally provide, and what do you outsource?”

A great agent is realistic about what they do in-house and what they refer out to trusted professionals. You want someone with a strong team, not someone who claims to do everything themselves.

Bonus tip: Ask if they help with setting up an LLC, EIN, or business banking — all useful tools for managing NIL income properly.

7. Understand Their Compliance Knowledge

A good NIL agent must know how to keep you eligible under NCAA, state, and school-specific rules.

Ask:
“How do you ensure deals stay compliant with my school’s and state’s NIL policies?”

Make sure they:

  • Know the reporting process required by your school
  • Understand what types of deals are prohibited
  • Won’t push you into risky or gray-area partnerships

If they dismiss compliance as “not a big deal,” that’s a major red flag.

8. Check for Reviews or References

If an agent has worked with other athletes, ask for references or testimonials.

Ask:
“Can I speak to a current or former client?”

You can also check their reviews on NILAgentDirectory.com to see what others say. Look for mentions of:

  • Communication
  • Deal quality
  • Support beyond contracts
  • Professionalism
  • Follow-through

If no one can vouch for them, be cautious — especially if they’re asking you to commit long-term.

9. Read the Contract — Then Read It Again

Never sign anything on the spot. Any agent who pressures you to sign quickly is not looking out for you.

Ask:
“Can I take this agreement home to review it with my family, coach, or attorney?”

Make sure the contract includes:

  • The agent’s responsibilities
  • Payment terms
  • How either party can terminate the agreement
  • What happens if you transfer schools or stop competing
  • A time limit on the agreement (not open-ended)

Bring it to your school’s compliance office for review if needed. If they’re hesitant about the contract, pay attention.

10. Trust Your Gut

At the end of the day, you’re trusting someone with your money, your name, and your future. If something feels off — even if everything looks good on paper — it’s okay to walk away.

Vet multiple agents. Ask tough questions. Don’t get blinded by hype or followers.

Because the right NIL agent will welcome your questions, respect your process, and work with integrity from day one.

Final Tip: Use NILAgentDirectory.com as Your Vetting Tool

Whether you’re just starting or already working with someone, NILAgentDirectory.com gives you the tools to make smarter decisions:

  • Compare agent listings
  • Read real reviews from other athletes
  • Leave feedback to help your peers
  • Stay educated with guides, checklists, and updates
  • Track which agents are professional, responsive, and trustworthy

You deserve more than just someone who calls themselves an agent — you deserve someone who earns your trust.

Let us help you find them.