From the NIL Desk

Plain-language NIL articles for Texas parents and high school student-athletes from Tom Burnett, former NCAA Division I conference commissioner. Every article is written for families making real decisions — not for headlines.

September 15, 2026

Texas NIL Education: What Parents Need to Know

Texas NIL education gives parents a clear framework for eligibility, offers, advisors, and protecting a student-athlete's long-term options in Texas.

September 13, 2026

NIL Market Changes Texas Parents Should Watch

NIL market changes are reshaping decisions for Texas student-athletes. Learn what parents should watch, question, and protect before saying yes wisely.

September 11, 2026

NIL Regulation Trends Texas Parents Should Watch

Follow NIL regulation trends for Texas families: high school eligibility, school boundaries, college oversight, contracts, and better decisions clearly.

September 9, 2026

NIL Workshops That Give Texas Families Clarity

NIL workshops give Texas parents clear, practical guidance on eligibility, recruiting pressure, contracts, and wise next steps for student-athletes now.

September 7, 2026

How Texas Parents Vet NIL Advisors Safely

Learn how Texas families can vet NIL advisors safely, spot pressure tactics, protect eligibility, and make calm, informed decisions before they sign it.

September 5, 2026

Recruiting Consultant Versus NIL Advisor

Recruiting consultant versus NIL advisor: learn the different roles, Texas eligibility risks, and questions parents should ask before signing contracts.

September 3, 2026

NIL Advisor Fees: What Texas Parents Should Ask

NIL advisor fees can affect an athlete's earnings, eligibility, and trust. Texas parents need clear questions before signing any agreement or paying anyone

September 1, 2026

NCAA Rules Versus UIL Policy for Texas Parents

Understand NCAA rules versus UIL policy, where each applies, and how Texas families can protect eligibility while making calm NIL decisions in recruiting.

August 30, 2026

Revenue Sharing Eligibility for Texas Families

Understand revenue sharing eligibility for college athletes, what it means for recruiting, NIL, roster decisions, and questions Texas parents should ask.

August 28, 2026

How to Choose Athlete Representation Without Regret

Learn how to choose athlete representation with a parent-first framework for vetting agents, NIL advisors, contracts, fees, and eligibility risks early.

August 26, 2026

High School Sponsorship Rules for Texas Parents

Texas parents: learn how high school sponsorship rules affect NIL, booster involvement, school branding, recruiting, and eligibility before your child signs.

August 24, 2026

8 NIL Mistakes Families Make Before Signing

Avoid the NIL mistakes families make when recruiting, social media, contracts, and money enter the picture. Practical guidance for Texas parents today.

August 22, 2026

College Revenue Sharing Versus NIL: What Parents Need

College revenue sharing versus NIL will reshape college sports. Learn what Texas parents should understand before recruiting decisions take shape and form.

August 20, 2026

How to Evaluate Athlete Collective Offers

Learn how to evaluate athlete collective offers with a parent-first framework for fit, compliance, contract terms, taxes, and long-term development goals.

August 18, 2026

Best NIL Resources Parents Can Trust in Texas

The best NIL resources parents can use to separate Texas rules from hype, protect eligibility, and make calm, informed decisions for young athletes well.

August 16, 2026

Texas NIL Book Review for Cautious Parents

This Texas NIL book review explains how Tom Burnett's parent guide cuts through hype with practical, Texas-specific questions families should ask first.

August 14, 2026

Texas Booster Compliance Guide for NIL Support

Texas booster compliance guide for parents and schools: practical guardrails for NIL support, eligibility, recruiting boundaries, and sound decisions.

August 12, 2026

NIL Collective Versus Agent for Texas Parents

NIL collective versus agent: Learn the different roles, risks, and questions Texas families should ask before a student-athlete signs anything legally.

August 10, 2026

NIL Speakers for Texas Parents and Schools

NIL speakers help Texas parents and schools separate facts from hype, explain rules, protect eligibility, and make decisions about athlete opportunities.

August 8, 2026

NIL Policies: What Texas Parents Need to Know

NIL policies can affect eligibility, recruiting, and family decisions. Learn the questions Texas parents should ask before an athlete signs anything.

August 6, 2026

Best Practices for Athlete Parents That Protect Growth

Best practices for athlete parents: protect eligibility, calm recruiting pressure, and help your child grow through youth sports with perspective and care.

August 4, 2026

Texas NIL Compliance Checklist for Parents

Use this Texas NIL compliance checklist to protect eligibility, assess opportunities, and make calm, informed choices for your student-athlete in Texas.

August 2, 2026

15 Best NIL Questions for Parent Meetings

Use the best NIL questions for meetings to protect eligibility, assess opportunities, and help Texas student-athletes make calm, informed decisions well.

July 31, 2026

Revenue Sharing for Student Athletes Explained

Revenue sharing for student athletes raises real questions for Texas families. Get the facts before decisions get urgent, and protect eligibility now.

July 29, 2026

Athlete Endorsement Red Flags Parents Should Know

Learn the athlete endorsement red flags Texas parents should spot before a student signs, posts, or shares personal information for a proposed NIL deal.

July 27, 2026

Student Athlete Contracts: What Texas Parents Must Know

Student athlete contracts can affect eligibility, income, and recruiting. Texas parents need clear questions, careful review, and patient decisions now.

July 25, 2026

NIL Versus Scholarship Money: Know the Difference

Understand nil versus scholarship money for Texas student-athletes, including eligibility, taxes, recruiting, and the questions every family should ask first.

July 23, 2026

Texas NIL Parent Questions: Clear Answers

Texas NIL parent questions deserve clear, Texas-specific answers on eligibility, recruiting, advisors, money, wise athlete development at every stage.

July 21, 2026

How to Spot Recruiting Promises Before They Cost You

Learn how to spot recruiting promises, separate real interest from pressure, and protect your Texas student-athlete's eligibility, money, and options.

July 19, 2026

Family Decisions After a First NIL Offer

Family decisions after first offer can shape eligibility, finances, and trust. Use a calm Texas-focused process before your student signs anything at all.

July 17, 2026

College Athlete Payment Rules for Parents

College athlete payment rules now include NIL deals, scholarships, and school revenue sharing. Texas parents need clear guardrails before a deal is signed.

July 15, 2026

Can Boosters Contact Recruits? Texas Rules for Parents

Can boosters contact recruits? Learn the NCAA, UIL, and NIL boundaries Texas families need to recognize before a text, DM, offer, or recruiting conversation.

July 13, 2026

How to Vet NIL Opportunities Without the Hype

Learn how to vet NIL opportunities with a calm, Texas-focused framework for protecting eligibility, finances, privacy, and your athlete's long-term goals.

July 11, 2026

College NIL Timeline Checklist for Texas Parents

Use this college NIL timeline checklist to help Texas families prepare for recruiting, compliance, contracts, taxes, and a successful college transition.

July 9, 2026

How Athletes Disclose NIL Income

Learn how athletes disclose NIL income, when reporting is required, what records to keep, and how Texas families avoid tax and eligibility mistakes.

July 7, 2026

How Parents Avoid Recruiting Mistakes

Learn how parents avoid recruiting mistakes with calm, practical guidance on NIL, communication, timing, eligibility, and long-term fit.

July 5, 2026

9 Top Warning Signs in NIL Contracts

Learn the top warning signs in NIL contracts so Texas parents can spot risky terms, protect eligibility, and avoid costly mistakes early.

July 3, 2026

Parent Questions About Eligibility, Answered

Clear answers to parent questions about eligibility, NIL rules, recruiting risk, and how Texas families can protect student-athletes.

July 1, 2026

Can Parents Negotiate NIL Deals?

Can parents negotiate NIL deals? Learn what Texas families can do, where legal and school limits apply, and how to protect eligibility and leverage.

June 29, 2026

What the Future of Texas NIL Really Looks Like

What the future of Texas NIL really looks like for parents, schools, and athletes - less hype, more rules, better decisions, and long-term focus.

June 27, 2026

Booster Club NIL Guidelines for Texas Families

Booster club NIL guidelines can protect eligibility and reduce confusion. Here is what Texas parents and school supporters need to know now.

June 25, 2026

7 Top Mistakes Texas Sports Parents Make

Learn the top mistakes Texas sports parents make around NIL, recruiting, and eligibility so your family can stay informed, calm, and protected.

June 23, 2026

Athlete Revenue Sharing Outlook for Parents

A clear athlete revenue sharing outlook for parents: what may change in college sports, what likely will not, and how families should prepare now.

June 21, 2026

NIL Rules for Club Sports Parents

Confused about nil rules for club sports? Learn what parents should watch for around eligibility, recruiting, payments, and red flags.

June 19, 2026

What Counts as Inducement in NIL?

What counts as inducement in NIL? Learn how offers, promises, and recruiting pressure can threaten eligibility for Texas student-athletes.

June 17, 2026

How to Document Nil Income Properly

Learn how to document nil income clearly for schools, aid forms, and compliance reviews with practical records that protect families from avoidable issues.

June 15, 2026

9 Athlete Agent Red Flags Parents Should See

Learn the athlete agent red flags Texas parents should spot early so your family can avoid pressure, protect eligibility, and make better NIL choices.

June 13, 2026

How Parents Set Athlete Boundaries Well

Learn how parents set athlete boundaries with clear rules for time, money, social media, NIL, and recruiting pressure without harming growth.

June 11, 2026

8 Student Athlete Contract Red Flags

Learn 8 student athlete contract red flags parents should catch early to protect eligibility, money, and long-term options in NIL deals.

June 9, 2026

How Parents Explain NIL Without the Hype

Learn how parents explain NIL clearly, calmly, and correctly so student-athletes understand rules, risks, money, and long-term priorities.

June 7, 2026

How Families Avoid NIL Scams

Learn how families avoid NIL scams with clear warning signs, smart questions, and Texas-specific guidance that protects student-athletes.

June 5, 2026

Texas High School NIL Trends Parents Should Watch

Texas high school NIL trends are changing fast. Learn what parents should watch, where risk is rising, and how to protect eligibility.

June 3, 2026

Texas Parent Guide to Recruiting Basics

A Texas parent guide to recruiting with clear advice on NIL, eligibility, coaches, timelines, and smart family decisions without hype or confusion.

June 1, 2026

Texas Schools and NIL Compliance Rules

Texas schools and NIL compliance can protect athlete eligibility when parents, coaches, and districts understand rules, risks, and boundaries.

May 30, 2026

Texas NIL Workshop for Parents: What to Expect

A texas nil workshop for parents explains rules, risks, and smart next steps so Texas families can handle NIL with confidence and protect eligibility.

May 28, 2026

High School NIL Contracts: What Parents Should Know

High school NIL contracts can affect eligibility, money, and control. Learn what Texas parents should review before any student-athlete signs.

May 26, 2026

Texas Booster NIL Policies Explained

Texas booster NIL policies can affect eligibility, recruiting, and school risk. Here’s what parents, schools, and booster clubs need to watch.

May 24, 2026

Collectives Versus Brand Deals for NIL

Collectives versus brand deals can confuse Texas NIL families. Learn the key differences, risks, rules, and smart questions to ask before saying yes.

May 22, 2026

How Families Vet NIL Opportunities

Learn how families vet NIL opportunities with a calm, Texas-focused framework for contracts, compliance, fit, finances, and long-term athlete protection.

May 20, 2026

7 NIL Recruiting Myths for Families

7 NIL recruiting myths for families, explained clearly for parents who want facts, better questions, and calmer decisions about athlete futures.

May 18, 2026

Recruiting Exposure Versus NIL Visibility

Recruiting exposure versus NIL visibility is often misunderstood. Learn what Texas parents should prioritize, question, and ignore early on.

May 16, 2026

Texas NIL Laws Explained for Parents

Texas NIL laws explained for parents: what student-athletes can do, where risks arise, and how to protect eligibility and long-term options.

May 14, 2026

High School NIL Guide for Texas Parents

A high school NIL guide for Texas parents with clear rules, common risks, and practical steps to protect eligibility and make calm decisions.

May 12, 2026

Athletic Director NIL Training That Actually Helps

Athletic director nil training should reduce risk, calm confusion, and give schools clear rules for parents, staff, boosters, and student-athletes.

May 10, 2026

How to Read NIL Contracts Without Guessing

Learn how to read NIL contracts with a parent-first framework that helps Texas families spot risk, ask better questions, and protect eligibility.

May 8, 2026

Should Parents Hire NIL Help?

Should parents hire NIL help? Learn when outside guidance makes sense, what risks to avoid, and how Texas families can protect eligibility.

May 6, 2026

Revenue Sharing Versus NIL for Parents

Revenue sharing versus NIL can confuse families fast. Here is what Texas parents need to know about the differences, risks, timing, and fit.

May 4, 2026

School District NIL Policy Template Basics

A school district NIL policy template should set clear guardrails for students, staff, and boosters while protecting eligibility, compliance, and trust.

May 2, 2026

UIL Versus NCAA NIL: What Parents Need to Know

UIL versus NCAA NIL confuses many Texas families. Learn the key differences, risks, and rules parents should understand before acting.

April 30, 2026

How to Protect Athlete Eligibility

Learn how to protect athlete eligibility with clear guidance for Texas parents on NIL, recruiting, academics, conduct, and smart decisions.

April 28, 2026

How Texas Parents Handle NIL Wisely

Learn how texas parents handle nil with calm, policy-based steps that protect eligibility, reduce risk, and keep student-athletes focused.

April 26, 2026

Parent Guide to NIL Deals That Protects Kids

A parent guide to NIL deals with clear rules, warning signs, and smart questions Texas families can use to protect eligibility and good judgment.

April 24, 2026

NIL for Middle School Athletes: What Parents Know

NIL for middle school athletes raises big questions for parents. Learn what it really means, where risks start, and how Texas families should respond.

April 23, 2026

When Should Athletes Start NIL?

Wondering when should athletes start NIL? Learn the right timing, risks, and practical steps for Texas families to make calm, informed decisions.

April 22, 2026

Social Media Rules for Student Athletes

Social media rules for student athletes affect eligibility, recruiting, and NIL. Learn the boundaries families should understand before posting.

April 21, 2026

8 Student Athlete Branding Tips for Families

Practical student athlete branding tips for parents and athletes who want to build a credible presence without risking eligibility or trust.

April 20, 2026

Do Parents Pay Taxes on NIL Income?

Do parents pay taxes on nil income? Learn when NIL earnings belong to the student-athlete, when parents may owe tax, and common family mistakes.

April 19, 2026

Nil Tax Advice for Athletes and Parents

Nil tax advice for athletes starts with one truth: NIL income can create real tax obligations. Learn what families should track and ask early.

April 18, 2026

How to Evaluate NIL Advisors

Learn how to evaluate NIL advisors with a parent-first framework for vetting experience, fees, compliance, and fit before your athlete signs.

April 17, 2026

Nil Collective Meaning for Parents

Understand nil collective meaning for parents, including how collectives work, where risks show up, and what Texas families should ask first.

April 16, 2026

NCAA NIL Rules Explained for Parents

NCAA NIL rules explained for parents: what athletes can do, what schools cannot do, and how to avoid mistakes in recruiting, pay, and deals.

April 15, 2026

How NIL Affects College Recruiting

Learn how NIL affects college recruiting, what parents should ask, where the hype misleads, and how Texas families can protect eligibility.

April 14, 2026

Texas High School NIL Eligibility Rules

Texas high school NIL eligibility depends on UIL rules, school policy, and smart choices. Here’s what parents need to know before saying yes.

April 13, 2026

Can High School Athletes Get NIL Deals?

Can high school athletes get NIL deals? Yes, but rules vary. Here's what Texas parents need to know about eligibility, risks, and smart next steps.

April 12, 2026

UIL NIL Rules for Parents Explained

Clear guidance on UIL NIL rules for parents in Texas. Learn what families can and cannot do to protect eligibility and avoid costly mistakes.

April 11, 2026

What Is NIL for High School Athletes?

What is NIL for high school athletes? Get a clear, Texas-focused explanation of rules, risks, and what parents should know before saying yes.