UNDERSTAND NAME, IMAGE, AND LIKENESS AND HOW TO SUCCEED
WPGA Junior Foundation and Influential Athlete have partnered to bring members a collection of workshops designed specifically for golfers to navigate and succeed in the evolving landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL).
Workshop #1: Getting Started with NIL as a Golfer
For junior golfers and parents
A clear, beginner-friendly introduction to NIL designed specifically for Wisconsin golfers operating under WIAA rules. This course explains what NIL is, what’s allowed and prohibited for high school athletes, how to protect eligibility, and how golfers can prepare now for opportunities in college. The perfect foundation for understanding NIL safely, confidently, and in a golf-focused way.
Workshop #2: Build Your Personal Brand
For athletes ready to stand out
Your personal brand is your competitive advantage both on the course and online. This course teaches golfers how to build a strong, authentic brand that reflects their personality, values, and performance. Athletes learn how to present themselves with confidence, create meaningful content, communicate effectively, and grow influence the right way under WIAA guidelines. Ideal for golfers who want to elevate their presence and prepare for future NIL success.
Workshop #3: Pitch for Partnerships
For golfers who want to learn how to work with brands
This course shows junior golfers exactly how to approach businesses the right way. Athletes learn how to identify good-fit brands, craft a professional pitch, communicate their value, and understand what a partnership should and should not look like while still under WIAA rules. A practical, golf-specific guide for athletes who want to develop real-world skills they can use in high school, college, and beyond.
[click here] to watch the NIL Basics webinar presented by Influential Athlete specifically for our members. The passcode was provided to you via email.
Understanding NIL: What Every Athlete and Parent Needs to Know
Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) has transformed youth, high school, and college sports. The rules continue to evolve, giving athletes new opportunities to earn income from their personal brand - while also introducing responsibilities they must understand to protect their eligibility. That’s why we’ve partnered with Influential Athlete, the premier NIL education company, to provide clear, trusted guidance and support for all our members. NIL can open the door to everything from small earning opportunities that help make school more affordable to life-changing income that supports an athlete or their family. But with these opportunities come important rules, requirements, and boundaries. Whether an athlete chooses to pursue NIL or not, NIL is now part of the athlete experience and knowing how it works is essential.
What Is NIL?
NIL stands for Name, Image, and Likeness - essentially an athlete’s personal brand.
NIL allows student-athletes to earn money with their brand from things like:
- Social media posts
- Brand partnerships
- Coaching at camps, clinics, and making appearances
- Selling merchandise or autographs
- Business ventures tied to their identity as an athlete
And they can do all of this without losing their eligibility, as long as they follow the rules.
Recent NIL Changes You Should Know
The NIL landscape continues to shift quickly. Here are the most important updates:
1. WIAA Change: High School Athletes in Wisconsin Can Now Profit From NIL
In May 2025, the WIAA updated its bylaws (with the help of Influential Athlete) to allow high school athletes to earn money from their Name, Image, and Likeness without risking their eligibility, however, there are rules in place for what an athlete can and cannot do.
This marks a major shift for young athletes and makes education around NIL more important than ever.
2. Increased Reporting & Compliance Requirements
With greater earning opportunities comes stricter oversight.
Athletes must now:
- Report any NIL deal worth more than $600 (only if an athlete is in college or plans to attend an NCAA DI school, otherwise reporting is not required by the WIAA)
- If this applies to you, the reporting of deals can be done at nilgo.com
- Expect potential third-party review of contracts
Why NIL Education Matters - Even If an Athlete Never Plans to Pursue NIL
Every athlete is now part of the NIL world, whether they pursue deals or not.
Understanding NIL is essential because:
- Rules are changing fast, and violations can impact eligibility
- Bad actors exist, and athletes who aren’t informed are more vulnerable
- Parents need clarity so they can help guide their athlete safely
- Proper understanding protects athletes, their reputations, and their future opportunities
Our NIL Education Partner
To ensure our members have access to accurate, trustworthy, expert-led information, we’ve partnered exclusively with Influential Athlete, the leader in NIL education for schools, associations, and athletic organizations nationwide.
All NIL education provided to our members comes directly from Influential Athlete to ensure consistent, high-quality guidance. You can learn more about the founders and their expertise below or visit their website - influentialathlete.com.
