NIL Club

For years, NCAA regulations prevented college athletes from capitalizing on their name, image, and likeness—commonly referred to as NIL—despite their growing presence in the public eye and on social media. This began to change after mounting pressure for reform, culminating in a pivotal shift in 2021 when the NCAA updated its rules to allow student-athletes to profit from their NIL. By 2025, further progress was made as the NCAA lifted restrictions on athletes negotiating NIL deals before enrolling in college, broadening the landscape of opportunities available to student-athletes.

Amid this regulatory evolution, YOKE was launched in 2020 by two college athletes and an enthusiastic sports fan. They envisioned a system where every student-athlete could tap into the value of their brand, not just the most prominent players. Their solution was the NIL Club, a digital platform designed to connect student-athletes directly with fans and enable a new model of support and income generation. By leveraging technology, YOKE set out to democratize NIL opportunities and empower athletes at all levels.

The NIL Club app, built on YOKE’s platform, has since evolved into a significant presence within both college and high school athletics. Today, the platform hosts over 20,000 groups and teams, with 250,000 students participating and more than $16 million distributed to athletes. The NIL Club offers a transparent and compliant environment where athletes can connect with their supporters, share exclusive content, and generate a sustainable income. The focus on compliance and athlete well-being has helped establish NIL Club as a trusted partner for student-athletes, parents, and schools alike.

Fans participate by subscribing to their favorite teams’ NIL Clubs, such as Alabama Football or USC Women’s Basketball, gaining exclusive year-round access to unique content and updates. These monthly memberships directly support the athletes, with all proceeds pooled and distributed evenly among active participants. This approach fosters fairness and team-wide engagement, ensuring that every member who contributes to the club shares in the financial rewards.

The NIL Club empowers athletes to take control of their clubs, enabling them to manage rosters, post content, and connect with their communities. Fans are treated to authentic, behind-the-scenes glimpses into athletes’ lives, training routines, campus activities, and personal messages that go far beyond what’s typically seen on public platforms. This intimate interaction strengthens the bond between athletes and their supporters while providing a meaningful income stream.

The platform has also expanded into high schools, carefully navigating state regulations and involving parents or guardians for students under 18 years old. The NIL Club welcomes not only athletes but also students from other extracurricular activities, such as music and robotics, offering financial literacy and entrepreneurial experiences from a young age. Since 2025, brands have also leveraged NIL Club to connect with athletes for marketing and collaborative campaigns, providing even greater opportunities for students to benefit from their skills and influence. Through the NIL Club, student-athletes can now leverage their passion, talent, and fan support to create tangible value in the real world.