NIL stands for "name, image, and likeness," and it refers to the rights of college athletes to profit off themselves through marketing and promotional endeavors. This includes activities such as autograph signings, product endorsements, social media posts, and more. The NCAA implemented its policy allowing college athletes to make money off their name, image, and likeness in July 2021. College athletes can engage in NIL activities that are consistent with the law of the state where the school is located. However, NIL does not allow pay-for-play, and the NCAA continues to forbid improper inducements intended to attract students to a particular school. College student-athletes competing in states without an NIL law will have the freedom to receive compensation for their NIL however they see fit, as long as they do not violate pay-for-play or receive financial incentives to sign with or remain at a program. High school athletes are not as free to explore NIL opportunities as college athletes.