Introduction
Since the introduction of NIL rights in 2021, college athletes have been cashing in on endorsement deals, sponsorships, and social media promotions. But not all athletes earn the same amount. Earnings vary greatly depending on the sport, individual branding, and marketability. In this post, we break down NIL earnings by sport, highlight key trends, and provide insights on how athletes can maximize their value regardless of their sport.
Why NIL Earnings Vary by Sport
Several factors contribute to the variation in NIL earnings across different sports:
- Marketability & Media Exposure – Sports with higher viewership and media coverage generate more NIL opportunities.
- Social Media Influence – Athletes with large social followings often secure more deals.
- Brand Appeal & Demographics – Some sports naturally align with sponsorship industries (e.g., basketball & sneaker brands, football & sports energy drinks).
- Team vs. Individual Sports – Individual sports (gymnastics, track & field) allow athletes to secure personalized deals more easily than team-based sports.
NIL Earnings Breakdown by Sport
1. Football (NCAA D1) - The King of NIL
Football remains the most lucrative sport in NIL, generating over 50% of all NIL earnings. Quarterbacks and skill-position players (WRs, RBs) tend to earn the highest amounts.
| Category | Average NIL Earnings |
|---|---|
| Starting QB | $150K - $2M+ |
| Top WR/RB | $50K - $500K |
| Other Starters | $10K - $100K |
| Bench/Role Players | $1K - $20K |
Top NIL Football Earners (2024)
- Arch Manning (Texas) – $3.2M
- Shedeur Sanders (Colorado) – $2.1M
- Caleb Williams (USC) – $2M+
2. Men's Basketball - A Close Second
Basketball players have high earning potential due to their social media engagement and global brand appeal. Elite players often sign NIL deals with apparel brands, sneaker companies, and local businesses.
| Category | Average NIL Earnings |
| 5-Star Recruits | $500K - $2M+ |
| Star Players | $100K - $1M |
| Role Players | $5K - $50K |
| Bench Players | $500 - $10K |
Top NIL Basketball Earners (2024)
- Bronny James (USC) – $6.8M
- Caitlin Clark (Iowa) – $1.8M
- Paige Bueckers (UConn) – $1.6M
3. Women's Basketball - A Rapidly Growing NIL Market
Women’s basketball has seen significant NIL growth due to high engagement rates and a loyal fan base. Top players in WBB often outperform men’s players in social media sponsorship earnings.
| Category | Average NIL Earnings |
| Star Players | $100K - $1M |
| Role Players | $10K - $100K |
| Bench Players | $500 - $10K |
4. Gymnastics - Dominating Social Media NIL
Gymnasts have some of the highest NIL deals per athlete, despite gymnastics being a niche sport. The reason? They dominate platforms like Instagram and TikTok, which attract brand deals.
| Category | Average NIL Earnings |
| Olympic-Caliber Athletes | $500K - $2M+ |
| College Stars | $100K - $500K |
| Team Members | $5K - $50K |
Top NIL Gymnastics Earners (2024)
- Livvy Dunne (LSU) – $2.3M
- Sunisa Lee (Auburn) – $1.5M
5. Baseball - Moderate NIL Earnings
Baseball has less national TV exposure, which limits its NIL opportunities, but players with strong social brands can still cash in.
| Category | Average NIL Earnings |
| Star Players | $50K - $250K |
| Role Players | $5K - $50K |
| Bench Players | $500 - $10K |
6. Track & Field - NIL for Individual Stars
Track athletes, especially Olympic hopefuls, secure solid NIL deals due to personal branding opportunities.
| Category | Average NIL Earnings |
| Olympic-Level Athletes | $100K - $1M |
| College Stars | $10K - $100K |
| Team Members | $1K - $10K |
7. Other Sports (Wrestling, Soccer, Tennis, Swimming, Golf)
While these sports don’t have as much NIL appeal as football or basketball, individual athletes with strong personal brands can still earn significant deals.
| Sport | Top NIL Deals |
| Wrestling | $50K - $250K |
| Soccer | $10K - $100K |
| Tennis | $25K - $200K |
| Swimming | $10K - $50K |
| Golf | $50K - $500K |
Key Takeaways: How Any Athlete Can Make NIL Money
While revenue varies by sport, athletes in ANY sport can maximize their NIL opportunities with the right strategy.
1. Build Your Social Media Presence
- Post consistently on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.
- Engage with followers through Q&As, behind-the-scenes content, and interactive stories.
- Focus on engagement, not just follower count.
2. Target Brands That Align with Your Sport
- Football/Basketball: Apparel, energy drinks, supplements.
- Gymnastics/Dance: Beauty, skincare, lifestyle brands.
- Track & Field/Swimming: Fitness, running shoes, hydration brands.
3. Use NIL Marketplaces & Agencies
- Sign up for platforms like Opendorse, INFLCR, & MOGL to access NIL deals.
- Work with a trusted NIL agency to land bigger sponsorships.
4. Sell Merchandise & Partner with Local Businesses
- Launch a merch line with Print-on-Demand (Shopify, Printify).
- Partner with local businesses for endorsements.
Final Thoughts: NIL is for Everyone
The NIL landscape continues to evolve, offering opportunities for athletes across all sports. While football and basketball dominate earnings, social media influence and personal branding are now the ultimate equalizers. Whether you’re a star quarterback or a track athlete with a strong TikTok presence, the NIL game is yours to win.
Want to Start Monetizing Your NIL?
If you’re an athlete looking to start earning NIL money, sign up for our NIL playbook, access brand deal templates, and connect with companies looking for partnerships today!