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Last Updated on February 17, 2023
The NIL Network launched their new NIL Verified Network, the first-to-market NIL service provider verification process.
Founded in 2020, NIL Network provides student-athletes and administrators with leading databases, objective resources and trustworthy connections. Tapping into the expertise of former Power 5 compliance director and current Freeman Lovell attorney Patrick Stubblefield, the company created NIL Verified.
Initial Verified Companies
This new membership program for service providers dedicated to ensuring transparency, honesty and fairness within the emerging NIL industry. Inaugural members include NOCAP Sports, Hawker Family Sports & Entertainment, NextFan, FanWord, Frieser Legal, CleanKonnect, Campus Ink and Vantage Sports
“I am ecstatic to finally get the NIL Verified Network launched and am grateful to have the support and commitment from our inaugural members,” said Michelle Meyer, founder of NIL Network. “All of these initial businesses have stood out to me over the past few years as being innovative, collaborative, and most importantly, hyper-focused on the athlete experience. They immediately recognized the importance of a network like this and have been so patient as we’ve worked through the business vetting process and standards.”
Meyers’ Experience
Previously serving as the NIL Coordinator at San Diego State University, Meyers said she experienced firsthand the ways in which companies, agencies and/or advisors utilized social media to coerce student-athletes into signing contracts that were unreasonable.
That’s exactly why she started building the NIL Verified Network in May 2022.
“Bad actors are thriving in the wild west landscape right now,” Meyer said. “I’ve seen it too many times already. Enough is enough.”
A Look into the Process
The extensive approval process involves the collection of information about a business’ registration, employees, business practices and compliance with NIL laws, NCAA interim policies and institutional policies.
“An entirely new industry popped up nearly overnight once the NCAA’s rules around NIL relaxed,” said Stubblefield. “Through this NIL Verified process, I think we’re helping push the industry to maturity. Being familiar with state NIL laws should be the industry standard.”
“Deploying ethical payment terms should be the industry standard. Fair contracts that do not take advantage of athletes should be the industry standard. I believe that services such as NIL Verified can help push towards a reality where the industry standard is to engage with athletes ethically.”
Additionally, the verification process includes a review of the service provider’s terms. This ensures such policies encompass all expected clauses and fair language for college athletes.
Once approved, a service provider selects a membership in one of three tiers that vary in level of support from the NIL Network: blue, silver or gold.
There are currently three gold members on the site: NOCAP Sports, NextFan and Hawker Family Sports & Entertainment. These companies have a content hub featured on the NIL Network’s website and receive social media and newsletter promotions.
Through this new program, the NIL Network is applying its efforts to make the industry safer and more equitable. Now, with NIL Verified, athletes and administrators can be confident in who they’re partnering with.
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