The NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) era has created groundbreaking opportunities for student-athletes. With the ability to earn from endorsements, social media, appearances, and brand deals, young athletes now find themselves managing real money, real brands, and real business relationships.

But with every new opportunity comes new risks — and one of the biggest is choosing the wrong NIL agent.

Not every person who claims to be an agent is qualified, honest, or working in your best interest. A great agent can help you grow your brand and protect your rights. A bad agent can ruin your eligibility, trap you in exploitative contracts, and damage your reputation.

Here’s how to spot the red flags before it’s too late.

1. They Pressure You to Sign Immediately

Any agent who tries to rush you into signing a contract is waving a major red flag. High-pressure tactics are used to bypass your judgment. You should never feel forced to sign anything without the time to review, ask questions, and consult with someone you trust.

Phrases like “This deal will disappear if you wait,” or “You have to sign today,” are classic manipulation strategies. A professional agent gives you space to make an informed decision, not an impulsive one.

2. They Won’t Put Anything in Writing

Verbal promises mean nothing in the world of contracts. If an agent won’t put their promises, fees, responsibilities, or commitments into a written agreement, that’s a huge warning sign.

Every agreement should clearly outline what services they provide, the duration of the agreement, how they get paid, and how you can terminate the relationship if needed. If they hesitate to document these terms, they’re not operating transparently — and that puts you at risk.

3. They Don’t Understand NCAA, State, or School NIL Rules

Your eligibility is tied to compliance with NCAA, school, and state regulations. If your agent doesn’t fully understand these rules — or worse, gives you bad advice — it could cost you your college career.

Ask questions about how they stay updated on NIL policies, whether they’re registered as an agent in your state (where required), and whether they’ve worked with other athletes in your sport or conference. If they fumble through their answers, that’s a sign they’re not ready to protect your eligibility.

4. They Promise Guaranteed Deals or Income

No one can guarantee NIL success. If an agent promises you a certain dollar amount or claims to have deals “already lined up” that only require your signature, proceed with caution.

Good agents talk about strategies and opportunities. Bad agents rely on hype and inflated promises. The NIL world is unpredictable, and anyone guaranteeing results is either lying or setting you up for disappointment.

5. Their Fee Structure Is Unclear or Suspicious

Legitimate agents will clearly explain how they get paid — typically a percentage (10–20%) of the deals they directly negotiate for you. Be wary of agents who:

• Want large upfront fees
• Are vague about what they charge
• Try to collect fees on deals you brought in yourself
• Don’t provide a clear, written breakdown of how payments work

Transparency is a requirement, not a luxury. If they can’t explain their fees in a straightforward way, don’t trust them with your money.

6. Their Credentials Don’t Check Out

Always verify an agent’s background before working with them. Many people use titles like “manager,” “marketing rep,” or “brand strategist” to appear more legitimate than they are. Look up their education, certifications, registration status, and past work.

Ask for references. Search for their name in directories. Check whether they’re licensed in your state if applicable. If their history is vague, inconsistent, or nonexistent, that’s a risk you shouldn’t take.

7. They Focus More on Themselves Than on You

A strong NIL agent wants to understand your goals, values, and long-term plan. A weak agent talks only about themselves — their other clients, their social media following, or their past successes.

Watch how they listen. Do they ask thoughtful questions? Do they take notes? Do they give you time to speak? If the conversation is all about them, they may be more interested in boosting their own image than protecting yours.

8. They Avoid Questions About Taxes, Legal Review, or Business Setup

A quality NIL agent doesn’t have to be a CPA or attorney — but they should be proactive about these areas. If they shrug off tax planning, suggest you don’t need an LLC, or tell you not to worry about legal review, that’s a problem.

NIL money is taxable. Contracts can have long-term consequences. Business structure matters. If your agent is downplaying these topics or doesn’t have professionals in their network to support you, your future is at risk.

9. They Want Direct Control Over Your Money

No legitimate agent needs access to your bank account. You should always control where your NIL income goes — and you should always know exactly how it’s being spent.

If an agent asks to manage your money directly, become a co-signer on your account, or “handle” your payments for you, it’s time to walk away. That level of control opens the door to abuse and mismanagement.

10. They Trash Other Agents or Create Drama

A professional agent focuses on value, not gossip. If someone spends their energy bashing other agents, trying to pit you against teammates, or saying “you can’t trust your coach or school,” that’s a huge red flag.

Healthy business relationships are built on trust, not division. If they’re already creating drama before you’ve signed, imagine what it will be like once you’re locked in.

How to Protect Yourself

Ask questions. Get everything in writing. Talk with people you trust before signing anything. Read the entire contract, not just the highlights. Use NIL directories that allow agent reviews, like www.NILAgentDirectory.com, to see what other athletes are saying.

You don’t need to know everything — but you do need to be cautious, thoughtful, and informed. Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is.

Final Thoughts

Not all NIL agents are created equal. Some will elevate your brand, guide you through complex decisions, and help you build a lasting financial foundation. Others will take advantage of your inexperience, drain your income, or worse — put your eligibility and future at risk.

Your NIL journey is a business. You are the CEO. And every CEO needs to choose their team wisely.

Before you sign with an agent, remember: it’s not just about what they promise you — it’s about how they operate, who they are, and whether they’ve earned your trust.

Better to wait for the right one than to rush into the wrong one.