NIL Go Compliance Basics
What is NIL Go?
NIL Go is the online clearinghouse operated by the College Sports Commission (CSC) with support from Deloitte. NCAA Division I student-athletes use it to report third-party NIL deals for review before those deals can proceed.
FieldPass produces the packet you need to submit to NIL Go. It does not submit on your behalf.
When do I need to report a deal?
You must report a deal to NIL Go if all of the following are true:
- You are an active NCAA Division I student-athlete (or an incoming prospect / transfer — see below)
- The deal is with a third party (not your school directly)
- The total value is $600 or more (cash + non-cash combined)
The $600 threshold includes:
- Cash payments
- Non-cash benefits: car leases, gift cards, housing, apparel, etc.
- Multiple smaller payments from the same or substantially similar payor that cumulatively reach $600
- Royalties, contingencies, and performance bonuses that push the total over $600
What are the reporting deadlines?
| Athlete type | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Active D-I student-athlete | Within 5 business days of signing or agreeing to payment terms |
| Incoming high school prospect | Within 14 days of D-I enrollment, or before first game — whichever comes first |
| Junior college transfer | Within 14 days of D-I enrollment, or before first game — whichever comes first |
| D2/D3 transfer entering portal | From Transfer Portal entry date; timing aligned to D-I enrollment |
Tip: You can submit a proposed deal for review before signing. This is strongly recommended for deals involving a collective, booster-adjacent entity, or compensation above typical market rates.
Who must report?
- All active NCAA Division I student-athletes
- Incoming high school prospects: deals worth $600+ executed after July 1, 2025, or after the first day of junior year — whichever is later
- Junior college transfers: deals worth $600+ executed after July 1, 2025, or from initial JUCO enrollment — whichever is later
- D2/D3 transfers to D-I: deals worth $600+ from the date their name enters the NCAA Transfer Portal
What happens if I don't report?
Failure to report a qualifying deal is a violation of NCAA Bylaw 22.2.2.2 and can result in loss of eligibility. Late reporting creates retroactive eligibility risk even if the deal would otherwise have been approved.
What are the possible outcomes after I submit to NIL Go?
| Status | Meaning | Your options |
|---|---|---|
| Cleared | Deal passed all three compliance tests | Proceed with the deal |
| Flagged for Review | CSC needs more information | Wait for CSC outreach; provide supporting documentation |
| Not Cleared | Deal failed one or more tests | Revise and resubmit, cancel the deal, or appeal to neutral arbitration |
All cleared deals are logged permanently in NIL Go as audit protection if the deal is later questioned.
Are there state law complications?
Yes. Several states have laws that may conflict with CSC rules:
| State | Key issue |
|---|---|
| Texas | State AG has challenged CSC authority; state law prohibits penalizing athletes for state-approved deals |
| Virginia | Bars national associations from penalizing schools for state-compliant NIL activity |
| Louisiana | Currently under CSC investigation; state law exempts NIL records from public disclosure |
| Oklahoma | Contracts must be disclosed to school within 72 hours; state allows schools to help secure deals |
| Colorado | Shields local institutions from penalties for activities that might violate national rules |
| Arkansas | State law limits disclosure of NIL details through public records requests |
If your school is in one of these states, consult your compliance office for institution-specific guidance.