Not long ago, the biggest question during the recruiting process was, "Where can I play?" Today, that question has become much bigger. Athletes and parents must also think about how they want to build their future. The school an athlete chooses can impact not only their athletic career, but how they earn money, the relationships they build, and the opportunities available when their athletic career is over.

That is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. College athletes now have multiple ways to earn money, and understanding the difference is not always easy. The two biggest opportunities come from revenue sharing and NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness). Both can provide financial opportunities, but they work in completely different ways. Understanding the difference can help athletes choose the school that best aligns with their goals and puts them in the best position for long-term success.

Revenue Sharing

Revenue sharing is compensation that may be provided through the athletic department. While the exact amount varies by school, the idea is that athletes can receive financial benefits while focusing on their sport and education (pay for play).

An athlete may prioritize a school with stronger revenue-sharing opportunities if they:

• Do not enjoy creating social media content.
• Want to spend their time focused on their sport and education
• Value financial support without actively building a personal brand.
• Avoid balancing sponsorship obligations

NIL Brand Deals

On the other hand, the money earned from NIL does not come from the school. Athletes earn money by partnering with businesses that want to use their personal brand. Those partnerships might involve creating social media content, appearing at events, promoting products, speaking to groups, or representing a company

NIL may be the right fit for an athlete who:

• Enjoys creating content.
• Wants to grow a personal brand.
• Is/wants to be an entrepreneur
• Works with all different types of brands

The reality is that many Division I athletes will likely experience a combination of both revenue sharing and NIL opportunities. The difference is that some schools may offer stronger revenue-sharing opportunities, while others may have a more developed NIL ecosystem with local businesses, alumni networks, and brand partnerships. That is why this conversation should be part of every family's recruiting process.

When evaluating schools, do not just compare coaches, facilities, and playing time. Take the time to understand how each program approaches revenue sharing, what NIL resources are available, how connected the athletic department is with local businesses, and whether the surrounding community creates opportunities to build your brand.

The right answer will be different for every athlete. If your goal is to focus almost entirely on your sport, a school with stronger revenue-sharing opportunities may make the most sense. If you have an entrepreneurial mindset, want to build relationships, create content, and develop a personal brand, a school with a strong NIL environment may provide more long-term value.

The recruiting process is no longer just about finding the best place to play. It is about finding the best place to prepare for life after sports. Knowing how revenue sharing and NIL fit into that decision can help athletes choose a school that supports not only their athletic career, but also the future they want to build.

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