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Parents and guardians

NIL for athletes under 18, explained.

Your child can build a brand safely. Here is how NIL Superstar protects minors, what you approve, and what every family should know before an NIL deal.

How we protect athletes under 18

  • Parent approval first

    The account stays inactive until you approve it from the link we email you.

  • Private by default

    Minors are hidden from brands and search engines. You decide about visibility later, case by case.

  • You see every brand contact

    Messages and offers for your child come to you. Any agreement needs your signature.

  • No marketing to minors

    No marketing email, no text messages, no targeted advertising, and no ad tracking on account pages.

  • State rules applied automatically

    If your state does not allow high school NIL yet, your child's profile stays private and cannot receive offers.

  • Safe brands only

    Brands are verified. Alcohol, vaping, cannabis, sports betting and adult categories are blocked.

What families should know before any NIL deal

This is general education, not legal, tax or financial advice. Talk to a licensed professional about your situation.

High school rules

  • Most states allow high school NIL, with rules set by the state high school association. A few states do not allow it yet, and some set a minimum age.
  • Common rules: no school logos, uniforms or facilities; nothing tied to team activities, athletic performance or where your child enrolls; and disclosure to the school or association. Breaking these rules can affect eligibility.
  • Check with your child's athletic director before agreeing to anything.

Contracts

  • Read every agreement in full. Know the deliverables, payment, length, who owns the content, and how to cancel.
  • Be cautious of long or exclusive terms, anything that lasts beyond high school, or anything that gives away rights to your child's name or image permanently.
  • Never pay anyone to get your child NIL deals.

Planning for college

  • Athletes who go on to NCAA Division I must report earlier deals of $600 or more, dating back to the start of their junior year. Keep copies of every agreement and payment.
  • Deals connected to a college's boosters or collectives receive extra review and can never be tied to where your child enrolls.

Money and taxes

  • NIL income is taxable, including free products. Your child may need to file a tax return, and self-employment tax can apply.
  • NIL income is reported on the FAFSA and can reduce need-based financial aid such as Pell Grants.
  • Many states require a parent or guardian to manage a minor's business accounts. Our Money Smarts courses cover the basics.

Online safety

  • Brands should never ask your child for a personal phone number, home address or private social media messages. Report anyone who does.
  • Talk with your child about what they post and who they interact with online.

Your role as a parent or guardian

  • Oversight

    Approve the account, and review every opportunity before your child says yes.

  • Communication

    Stay in the loop on messages with brands, and talk with your child about what they post.

  • Approval

    Written parent or guardian approval is required for all NIL activity by athletes under 18.

Education comes first. Athletes under 18 complete the Money Smarts NIL basics before their store opens, and you can review the same lessons.

Common questions

How old does my child need to be?
At least 13. We do not allow accounts for children under 13 and do not keep any information they enter.
What exactly am I approving?
A free NIL Superstar account for your child. Approving does not sign your child up for any deal. Every brand agreement for a minor needs your separate signature.
Can brands see or contact my child?
Not without you. Profiles of athletes under 18 are private to brands and never shown in search engines. Any brand message for your child comes to you first. These rules are enforced by our database, not just our website.
Does NIL Superstar take a cut of my child's deals?
No. NIL Superstar is free for athletes and takes no fee or percentage from any deal. We are not an agent and do not negotiate for your child. Brands pay us for software and advertising.
Will my child get marketing emails or texts?
No. We do not send marketing messages to athletes under 18, and we do not text minors. They receive only account and safety messages.
Can I close the account or delete my child's data?
Yes, at any time. Email info@nilsuperstar.com from the email you used to approve the account.

More detail: Privacy Policy · Terms of Service · Compliance center