NIL is everywhere in college sports. But what exactly does it mean?

NIL, spelled out, is name, image and likeness.

NIL is how college athletes can make money in 2024 (andsince July 2021).

NIL is why, immediately after Caitlin Clark broke the NCAA scoring record in women’s college basketball last week, Nike fired off social media posts, which doubled as ads, which were all part of a sponsorship deal that puts a significant amount of cash in Clark’s pocket.

NIL is what your school’s coach complains about after another lopsided loss.

NIL is how your school went from not quite relevant to in the mix fortop recruits.