What the New Participation Agreement Means for Athletes & Families

I want to bring this article to your attention because it highlights an important shift happening in college sports right now.

There is growing discussion around a new participation agreement tied to college sports enforcement. In simple terms, athletes may be asked to sign agreements that outline expectations, rules, and consequences related to NIL, eligibility, and participation.

Here’s why this matters for athletes and parents 👇🏽

1. NIL Is Becoming More Formalized

What started as a loosely defined space is moving toward more structure. That means clearer rules — but also more accountability.

2. Agreements = Responsibility

When athletes sign participation agreements, they’re not just agreeing to play. They’re agreeing to follow specific guidelines around NIL activity, representation, and conduct.

3. “I Didn’t Know” Won’t Be a Defense

As enforcement systems evolve, lack of education won’t protect athletes. Understanding what you’re signing — and how NIL fits into it — is critical.

4. This Affects Families Too

Parents are often helping guide decisions, review contracts, and support athletes. These agreements make it even more important for families to be informed and aligned.

The bigger takeaway:

College sports is moving toward more oversight, not less. That’s exactly why we focus so heavily on education, foundation-building, and doing things the right way from the start.

This is also why we teach athletes to:

• Slow down before signing anything

• Ask questions early

• Understand rules before opportunities arise

• Build their brand with intention, not shortcuts

👉 Read the full article here:

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6971878/2026/01/14/csc-participation-agreement-college-sports-enforcement/

If you read this article and had questions or concerns, drop them below. These are the conversations that help protect athletes long-term.

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