In The Now
So you received an offer what now?
Types of College Offers You Might Receive
Verbal Offer
A verbal offer is a non-binding scholarship or roster spot promise made by a coach, often during or before your junior year. These offers are informal, and while they are exciting, they do not guarantee a spot on the team or any financial aid.
Official Offer
An official offer is a formal, written scholarship offer typically extended to an athlete after they’ve completed an official campus visit or as they approach their senior year. It used to culminate in signing the National Letter of Intent (NLI)—a binding agreement between athlete and school—but the NLI was removed as of October 9, 2024. Athletes now secure their commitment by signing a financial agreement directly with the institution.
Committable Offer
A committable offer is an offer that the athlete can accept right away, and the coach will honor it. Accepting this offer typically means that:
- A roster spot is guaranteed
- A scholarship (if applicable) is available for you
- The coaching staff has officially greenlit your commitment
- You may even receive NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) opportunities bundled with this offer
⚠️ Even with a committable offer, nothing is final until you’ve signed the financial aid agreement with the school.
Non-Committable Offer
A non-committable offer may sound like an offer, but you can’t accept it just yet. Coaches use these to show interest but may be waiting to:
- See more of your performance
- Get approval from admissions or staff
- Finalize other roster decisions
These offers:
- Can turn into committable offers
- Can be pulled if circumstances change
- May not include guaranteed scholarship funds
Think of this as a “you’re on our radar” message, but with no guarantees until further notice.
Important Note: A College Offer Is Not Official Until You Sign
Now that you or your child has received a verbal offer, here’s what you need to know:
A verbal college offer does not guarantee that you will be able to attend or play for that school. These offers are non-binding and can be revoked or changed by the coach. Likewise, you are not officially committed until you sign a financial agreement with the university.
Here’s why verbal or non-committable offers might not hold:
- Coaching Changes – If the coach who made the offer leaves, a new coach might not honor it.
- Roster Changes – Other recruits may take limited spots.
Academic Eligibility – You still must meet GPA, test score, and NCAA eligibility requirements. - Performance Issues – Injury or underperformance can change your standing.
How to Protect Your Offer
- Stay in regular contact with the coaching staff.
- Continue to perform academically and athletically.
- Ask if the offer is committable – don’t be afraid to clarify.
- Push to get your offer in writing as early as possible.
Example language from NIL agreements
Clear Deliverables
The athlete should be asked to fulfill specific duties or provide tangible value in exchange for the compensation, such as social media posts, appearances, endorsements, and/or other promotional activities.
A collective might set up a deal where a local business pays a basketball player $10,000 for:
- Instagram: Posting 3 times over the next month about the business.
- Public Appearance: Attending a local charity event to promote the business.
- Video Ad: Filming a 30-second ad for the business to be posted online.
The athlete earns $10,000 for this package of work, which is tied to their name, image, and likeness. The payment is compliant with NIL rules because it’s not based on athletic performance, but on the athlete’s ability to promote a product and engage with their fans.
What’s Real Money vs. Fluff:
- Read the Contract: The contract should specify whether the athlete is getting direct cash payments for specific actions (like posts or events). If the payment is only linked to perks or goods, it may not have immediate financial value.
- Look for Clear Payment Terms: Identify whether the payments are cash, discounts, or performance-based.
- Assess Long-Term Value: Consider if any long-term equity or future deals are part of the agreement, and whether these are guaranteed or speculative.
- Evaluate Exposure Claims: Be wary of deals promising only exposure without guaranteed cash or real revenue. Exposure is valuable but may not lead to immediate financial benefits.
Perks, Goods, or Discounts (Sometimes Considered Fluff)
Some NIL agreements may include perks or goods instead of or in addition to cash. While they can be valuable, these may not always be considered “real money” because they don’t provide direct financial benefit or liquid cash. The value of goods or perks may also be inflated or exaggerated.
How to identify perks or “fluff”:
- Non-cash compensation that’s valuable but not directly liquid (e.g., free products, services, or accommodations).
- Free gear or products that may be used by the athlete, but may not be of immediate cash value.
- Discounts on items or services rather than direct payment.
Examples of fluff:
- Free merchandise (like shoes, apparel, or equipment) from a sponsor.
- Tickets to events, or free accommodations, like hotel stays during a promotional event.
- Discounts on services or products that may or may not be used by the athlete.
An agent has reached out to us Now what !!
Look for Red Flags
Upfront Fees – Agents should earn commissions from deals, not from you directly.
Unrealistic Promises – “I’ll make your son a millionaire overnight!” – No one can guarantee that.
Pressure to Sign Quickly – A reputable agent won’t rush you.
Lack of Transparency – If they won’t disclose their clients, fees, or contracts, walk away.
Look at Their Track Record
- Have they negotiated successful NIL deals for other athletes?
- Do they have relationships with reputable brands?
- Are their past clients satisfied?
Verify Their Intentions
- Are they focused on your son’s best interests or just making a quick commission?
- Are they offering realistic NIL opportunities?
Ask Direct Questions
- “What brands and opportunities are you considering for my son?”
- “What percentage do you take from deals?” (In line with industry Standards?)
- “Are you connected with collectives or universities?”
