For much of its history, college athletics operated under strict NCAA rules that prevented student-athletes from receiving any compensation related to their name, image, or likeness. This longstanding policy underwent a significant shift following public debate, legal proceedings, and growing demand for fair treatment. In 2021, the NCAA finally allowed college athletes to profit from NIL rights, with a further policy update in 2025 that gave athletes the freedom to negotiate deals even before they set foot on a university campus.
Sensing this transformation, two college athletes and a passionate sports fan joined forces in 2020 to create YOKE, the technology behind the NIL Club platform. Their goal was to empower athletes to take charge of their financial futures and personal brands, opening new opportunities to connect directly with fans. Their innovation provided a way for every student-athlete, not just top-tier stars, to tap into support from their communities and participate in the evolving NIL marketplace.
The NIL Club has become a respected hub for student-athletes at both the college and high school levels, enabling them to build their brands and earn income in a transparent, compliance-focused environment. The app has grown rapidly, now supporting over 20,000 teams and groups, 250,000 students, and distributing more than $16 million to participants. Its emphasis on integrity and student well-being has established NIL Club as a leader in the space.
Through the NIL Club, fans can subscribe to their favorite teams—such as the Alabama Football team or the USC Women’s Basketball team—by paying a monthly fee in exchange for exclusive access to behind-the-scenes content. This direct model creates a reliable income stream for athletes and allows fans to connect with players in a more meaningful and personal way. Content includes authentic insights into athletes’ daily routines, training, celebrations, downtime, and more—material fans won’t find on public social media channels.
Athletes join NIL Clubs either as part of a team or by creating their own for any sport or activity. All revenue generated through memberships is pooled and shared equally among active club participants, encouraging collaboration and rewarding collective effort over individual stardom. Athletes themselves manage club rosters and membership through the app, which helps maintain transparency and fairness.
The NIL Club model is also available to high school students, with careful review of state regulations and active involvement from parents or guardians to ensure responsible participation. The program has expanded beyond sports, supporting students in activities like theater, music, and robotics, helping them develop entrepreneurial skills and financial literacy.
In recent years, brands have recognized the value of NIL Clubs and begun partnering with the platform to engage with student-athletes for marketing and promotional campaigns. As a result, NIL Club serves as a vibrant intersection of athlete empowerment, fan engagement, and brand partnership, continuing to shape the future of student-athlete opportunity and community.
