NIL Go

NIL Go is the clearinghouse that reviews third-party NIL deals for athletes at schools that opted into the House settlement. It is operated by the College Sports Commission, using a valuation model built by Deloitte. Any third-party deal worth $600 or more must be submitted within five business days of execution.

Q. Which deals go through NIL Go?

Third-party deals of $600 or more. Payments from a school’s own revenue-sharing pool do not go through NIL Go, those count against the cap and are tracked separately.

Q. What is it checking for?

Two tests, applied at different thresholds. Valid business purpose, whether the payment is for genuine promotion of goods or services sold to the public, applies to every deal of $600 or more. Range of compensation, whether the pay is in line with what comparable people receive for comparable work, is reserved for deals of $2,500 or more for enrolled Division I athletes, following an April 2026 change by the College Sports Commission. Prospective student-athletes who haven’t enrolled yet still get the full review at $600.

Q. What happens if a deal isn’t cleared?

It can be revised and resubmitted, or contested through neutral arbitration. Proceeding with an uncleared deal exposes both the athlete and the school to penalties.

Q. How long does review take?

It varies. Deal volume has strained the system since launch, and processing delays have been a common complaint from athletes and compliance staff.

Q. Who has to use it?

Athletes at schools that opted into the settlement. Non-participating schools are not covered, though state NIL laws and institutional policies still apply.