How NIL is redefining the path to going pro in college sports

When LSU’s Flau’jae Johnson can make over $1 million a year while still in college, the incentive to “go pro” becomes a lot less urgent. For years, early declarations to the draft were the dream—and often, the only financial option. But the rise of Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) earnings is flipping the script.

NIL Is Outpacing Rookie Contracts

In women’s college basketball, the economic upside of staying in school is hard to ignore. The top four picks in the 2024 WNBA Draft earned just $78,831 in their rookie year—less than what some NIL athletes make in a month. Johnson and Iowa star Caitlin Clark have turned their brands into business empires before ever signing a pro deal. Clark, now with the Indiana Fever, made less than many NBA G-League players last season. “The longer the players stay in school, the more they prepare themselves for life beyond the game,” said Courtney Altemus, NIL expert and managing partner at Advance.

Men’s Football and Beyond: NIL Shaping Decisions

It’s not just women’s hoops. The 2021 NFL Draft saw 128 underclassmen declare early—this year, only 70 did. Players across sports, from golf to baseball, now have room to grow, build their brands, and even finish degrees—without rushing into uncertain pro careers. Notre Dame’s Olivia Miles, a projected top-five WNBA pick, shocked everyone by entering the transfer portal instead. Her move to TCU signals a deeper shift: athletes are treating college as a long-term career platform, not just a stepping stone.

The Bottom Line

Injuries remain a risk, but NIL is changing the math. As long as players can make six figures—or more—without leaving campus, expect to see fewer early exits and more stars sticking around. For fans, that means deeper connections, more highlights, and extended college careers from their favorite athletes.