What is an NIL collective?
Last reviewed Oct 31, 2026
Key takeaways
- NIL stands for name, image and likeness.
- A collective is an organization that pools money from fans, donors or businesses to create NIL opportunities for athletes at a school.
- Collectives vary: some are independent, some are school-endorsed, and some have rebranded as fan-membership platforms.
The short version
Since July 2021, college athletes have been able to earn money from their name, image and likeness. Collectives formed to organize that support at specific schools, usually through memberships, donations and business partnerships.
How collectives relate to schools
Some collectives describe themselves as independent of the university; others are named by the school as an official NIL entity. Each collective page on NILList links to the source we used, so you can check the relationship yourself.
Things are changing
Rules for college athlete pay changed significantly in 2025, and several well-known collectives have changed how they operate. For example, Yea Alabama states on its own site that it moved from a donor model to a fan-experience membership in 2025. Always check the collective's own site and the school's athletics site for the current picture.
How to use this directory
Search a school to see the collectives we have found, the school's NIL policy (where published), and the state law that applies. Anything we have not confirmed is marked Needs verification.
Educational information, not legal advice.