Key facts
- NIL Real Estate helps college athletes obtain real estate licenses and connect with mentors.
- Participants can earn referral fees when a transaction closes for someone they referred.
- The program aims to provide athletes with a credential and practical knowledge for life after college.
- Over 1,400 student-athletes from more than 325 universities have participated.
- Keller Williams agents nationwide serve as mentors, with corporate support for operations.
- The program emphasizes mentorship and compliance with NCAA and real estate regulations.
A national program called NIL Real Estate is providing college athletes with opportunities to earn real estate licenses and gain mentorship, aiming to build referral business and offer a career path beyond their athletic careers.
The initiative, which began as a small experiment in Salt Lake City with athletes from the University of Utah and Brigham Young University, has expanded to include over 325 universities across the U.S., with more than 1,400 student-athletes participating. Katy Cookston, who directs the program from her Keller Williams office in Salem, Virginia, stated that the program is designed as an "NIL opportunity" rather than a traditional NIL deal, focusing on providing a credential and earning potential through referrals.
Participants complete licensing requirements to become licensed real estate referral agents. They can earn referral fees when a transaction closes for someone they have referred, with earnings ranging from $3,000 to $5,000. These payments are often used by athletes to cover college expenses, as the average NIL deal is significantly lower. The real estate license remains active after graduation, provided continuing education requirements are met, offering a career option beyond college.
Keller Williams agents nationwide serve as mentors, with the company providing corporate-level support. Cookston noted that while athlete participation is high, recruiting agents willing to mentor is a priority, as it requires a commitment to compliance with both NCAA and real estate regulations.