NIL stands for Name, Image, and Likeness, which refers to the means through which college athletes are allowed to receive financial compensation. This includes the use of an athletes name, image, and likeness through marketing and promotional endeavors, such as autograph signings, product endorsements, social media posts, and more. NIL is the workaround for athletes to get paid without technically being considered professional athletes who make a living playing their sport. College athletes can engage in NIL activities that are consistent with the law of the state where the school is located. Colleges and universities are responsible for determining whether those activities are consistent with state law. Student-athletes who attend a school in a state without an NIL law can engage in this type of activity without violating NCAA rules related to name, image, and likeness. However, NIL doesnt allow pay-for-play, and the NCAA continues to forbid improper inducements intended to attract students to a particular school.