What Documents, Questions, and Expectations to Bring

Meeting with an NIL agent for the first time can feel exciting—and a little overwhelming. The right preparation ensures you make the most of your time, ask smart questions, and walk away with a clear sense of whether the agent is a good fit.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help athletes and families prepare.

1) Bring the Right Documents

Having your information ready shows professionalism and helps the agent understand your brand and opportunities.

Essential Documents to Bring:

  • Athletic Resume: Stats, awards, team highlights, media mentions.
  • Social Media Analytics: Screenshots or reports showing follower count, engagement rates, and demographics.
  • Current NIL Opportunities: Any offers, outreach emails, or informal proposals you’ve received.
  • Compliance Information: Your school or state NIL disclosure forms and rules (if available).
  • Personal Brand Materials: Logos, headshots, highlight reels, or media kits.
  • Financial/Tax Basics: If you’ve already earned NIL income, bring copies of contracts, invoices, or 1099s.

2) Prepare Smart Questions

Your first meeting is your chance to interview the agent—just as much as they are evaluating you.

Key Questions to Ask:

  1. What experience do you have with NIL deals in my sport?
  2. What brands or industries do you have strong relationships with?
  3. How do you charge—commission, retainer, or hybrid?
  4. How do you ensure compliance with my school, conference, and NCAA rules?
  5. What types of deals are realistic for an athlete like me?
  6. Who else will be on my team (lawyers, CPAs, marketing staff)?
  7. How do you communicate with your athletes (weekly check-ins, email updates, etc.)?
  8. What happens if I want to end our agreement?

3) Set Clear Expectations

Before the meeting, decide what you want to learn and what success looks like.

Expectations to Clarify:

  • Services Offered: Do they only negotiate deals, or also provide brand building, social media strategy, and compliance support?
  • Timeline: How quickly can you expect them to start sourcing opportunities?
  • Collaboration: How they’ll work with your parents, compliance office, or other advisors.
  • Transparency: How and when you’ll see reports on income, expenses, and deals.

4) Bring the Right Mindset

  • You’re Interviewing Them: Think of yourself as the CEO of your brand. The agent is applying for a role on your team.
  • Be Honest About Your Goals: If you want small local deals vs. national campaigns, say so.
  • Ask for Examples: Don’t be afraid to ask for references or sample contracts.
  • Don’t Rush to Sign: Use the meeting to gather information. Take any agreement home to review with your family, compliance office, or legal advisor.

5) Post-Meeting Action Steps

After your meeting:

  • Review notes and compare with other agents you meet.
  • Discuss impressions with parents, coaches, or mentors.
  • Double-check compliance and eligibility rules.
  • Ask for a written agreement if you’re considering moving forward.

Rule of Thumb

The best NIL agent meetings feel like a two-way conversation, not a sales pitch. If the agent listens to your goals, answers questions clearly, and provides transparency about fees and expectations, that’s a strong sign they could be the right fit.

Call to Action

On NIL Agent Directory, you can:

  • Download checklists to prepare for your first agent meeting.
  • Compare agents’ experience, services, and fee structures before you sit down.
  • Read reviews from other athletes and families about what to expect.

Your first meeting sets the tone for your NIL journey—come prepared, ask the right questions, and remember: you’re the one in control.