It happens more than you might expect
If you have any public profile as an athlete — social media following, a strong season, a notable signing — you will get contact from people calling themselves NIL agents, managers, and advisors. Most reach out through Instagram DMs or Twitter/X. Some come through friends or family members. A few will approach parents directly.
Most are legitimate. Some are not. The problem is that you cannot tell which is which from the first message. The steps below help you figure that out before you are sitting across from someone with a contract in their hand.
Step 1: Verify their identity and credentials
Start with the basics. Who are they, and who do they work for? An agent should be able to give you a business name, a website, and verifiable references without hesitation.
Search the person's name and agency name. Look for a history of deals they have actually closed with athletes you can identify. Ask for references from current or former clients you can contact directly. Be skeptical of agents who list many big-name clients but cannot give you a single person willing to speak on their behalf.
If the agent claims to be certified or registered, ask which body and verify it. Many states require NIL agents to register. Failure to register in a state that requires it is itself a compliance issue.
Step 2: Loop in your compliance office
If you are a college athlete, your compliance office exists for exactly this situation. Contact them before you have any substantive conversation with an agent, and certainly before any meeting. They can tell you what the school's rules are, what paperwork is required, and whether the agent you are considering has any history with the institution.
This is not about asking permission. It is about having the information you need to make a good decision, and making sure you are not inadvertently putting your eligibility at risk. Compliance staff are on your side.
High school athletes should talk to a parent, guardian, or school athletic director before proceeding.
Step 3: Do not sign anything at the first meeting
This is the most important rule. The first meeting is an introduction. You are gathering information and getting a sense of who this person is. It is not a closing event.
A legitimate agent will not pressure you to sign at a first meeting. They understand that athletes and families need time to review contracts, ask questions, and consult advisors. If an agent shows up to a first meeting with a contract and seems surprised or annoyed that you want to take it home, that is a warning sign.
Take the contract. Read it carefully. Get a second opinion. Come back when you are ready.
Questions to ask at the first meeting
How long have you been doing NIL representation, and how many active clients do you have right now?
What commission rate do you charge, and is it taken on gross or net deal value?
What is the contract term, and how do I end the agreement if it is not working?
What deals have you closed in the last six months, and can I speak to those athletes?
What happens to deals already in progress if I leave?
Are you registered as a sports agent in my state?
These are not hostile questions. A professional agent will welcome them.
What disclosure rules apply to you
Under NCAA Bylaw Article 22 and parallel state laws, college athletes who receive NIL compensation above $600 in a calendar year must report it to their institution within five business days of the agreement being signed. The agent you work with should know this rule and should have a clear process for helping you comply.
If an agent is fuzzy on disclosure requirements, or suggests that you do not need to worry about reporting, that is a serious red flag. Reporting requirements exist to protect athletes. An agent who dismisses them is not protecting you.
Where NILAR fits in this process
NILAR is a research tool, not a referral service. You can look up an agent or agency and read anonymous reviews from verified athletes who have worked with them. That gives you a starting point for due diligence that no website or credential check can replace.
After you have gone through the process and had an experience with an agent, you can leave your own review anonymously. That review helps the next athlete who gets a cold DM from the same person.
The /for-athletes section of the site explains how verification works and how to get started.