The First 90 Days of NIL Earnings: Setting Yourself Up for Success

Landing your first NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deal is a milestone. You’ve worked hard on the field, in the gym, and online to build a brand that sponsors want to partner with. But now comes the part that will determine whether your NIL journey becomes a springboard for financial success — or a short-lived paycheck.

The first 90 days after you start earning NIL income are critical. This is when you create the systems, habits, and mindset that will carry you through future deals. Here’s a step-by-step action plan to make the most of your first NIL earnings.

Days 1–7: Get Your Foundation in Place

Before you spend a single dollar, set yourself up for success.

  1. Open separate accounts — a checking account for NIL income and expenses, and a savings account for taxes.

  2. Create a tax savings habit — transfer 25–30% of every payment into your tax account immediately.

  3. Track your deal details — keep a folder (digital or physical) with contracts, payment terms, and contact info for each brand.

  4. Tell your school compliance office — make sure your NIL deal meets NCAA, conference, and school rules.

Days 8–30: Build Your NIL Budget

Your first deal might be big or small — either way, you need to budget as if NIL is a business.

  1. List your NIL income sources and note payment dates.

  2. Separate essential expenses (housing, food, transportation) from wants (travel, clothes, entertainment).

  3. Set a personal “salary” — decide how much you’ll transfer from your NIL account into your personal account each month for spending.

  4. Allocate for savings and investments — even a small start is a big win.

Days 31–60: Put Your Business Hat On

Now that the money is flowing, treat your NIL as a professional operation.

  1. Track every expense — use an app or spreadsheet to record travel, equipment, content creation costs, and professional fees.

  2. Look for deductions — these can lower your taxable income and save you money.

  3. Consider forming an LLC — talk to a CPA or attorney to see if a formal business structure makes sense for your situation.

  4. Schedule quarterly check-ins with a financial advisor or CPA to stay on track.

Days 61–90: Plan for the Long Game

By now, you’ve got a handle on your first deal — now it’s time to think bigger.

  1. Reinvest in your brand — upgrade your equipment, improve your social media presence, or hire a content creator.

  2. Build an emergency fund — aim for 3–6 months of living expenses saved.

  3. Diversify your NIL opportunities — look for smaller deals, merchandise sales, or local partnerships in addition to big sponsors.

  4. Start learning about investing — Roth IRAs, index funds, and other long-term strategies can grow your NIL money for the future.

The Bottom Line

Your first NIL deal is more than a paycheck — it’s your chance to build a financial foundation that supports you during and after your athletic career. By separating your finances, budgeting carefully, tracking taxes, and planning ahead, you’ll turn your first 90 days into the start of a winning financial game plan.

Need help getting started? Use the NIL Financial Advisor Directory to connect with professionals who can guide you through taxes, budgeting, investing, and brand management — so you can focus on winning both on and off the field.