A new national study from SurveyNow has named NIL Club the most trusted app among college athletes—a finding that matters far beyond the college level. As NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities continue expanding, trust, education, and transparency are quickly becoming just as important as on-field performance. For youth athletes and the families guiding them, this report offers major insight into the current landscape.
What the Survey Found
SurveyNow engaged 2,497 college athletes across divisions and sports, asking one core question:
“How much do you trust this app to deliver on its promise?”
Athletes evaluated each app based on three pillars:
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Data privacy
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Reliable performance
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Compliance and rule-alignment
Across every category, NIL Club earned the highest trust score, with nearly half of surveyed athletes selecting it as the platform they trust most.
Why Athletes Trust NIL Club
NIL Club, built by YOKE, is designed to help athletes connect with fans, build brand communities, and earn compensation safely. Key reasons athletes trust it include:
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Clear handling of personal and financial data
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Consistent, reliable platform performance
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Compliance support that helps athletes avoid NIL rule violations
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Growing opportunities with major brands, including Amazon, Coinbase, and SoFi
In an environment where misinformation and questionable NIL guidance circulate widely, athletes are gravitating to platforms that provide stability and guardrails.
What This Means for Youth Athletes and Their Families
Even though many GBGB athletes are still in middle school or high school, NIL expectations are forming earlier than ever. This report highlights a critical message:
Before young athletes reach college, they must already understand the importance of choosing trustworthy partners.
Parents and coaches should take note:
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The NIL space is not about flashy deals, it’s about safety, compliance, and long-term reputation.
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Athletes who learn digital responsibility early (social media conduct, communication, personal brand choices) are better prepared for future opportunities.
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Families should prioritize education around NIL literacy just as much as athletic development.
Guidance for Coaches
This study reinforces the need for coaches to:
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Encourage conversations about digital behavior, reputation, and professionalism
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Prepare athletes for what NIL actually looks like, not just the highlight stories
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Steer young players away from risky third-party offers or apps that lack transparency
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Emphasize that trust is a competitive advantage
Guidance for Parents
For parents navigating the modern landscape:
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Start discussing online safety and brand responsibility early
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Teach athletes to ask important questions:
Who controls my data? Who profits? Is this compliant? -
Recognize that NIL is now part of the athlete journey, whether or not your athlete pursues deals
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Support educational opportunities that help athletes understand their future rights and responsibilities
Guidance for Student-Athletes
For developing athletes, this ranking is a reminder that:
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Your name and image are long-term assets
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Not all platforms are created equal—choose partners who protect you
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Building trust today leads to opportunity tomorrow
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Your habits now shape how schools, coaches, and brands will evaluate you later
The Bigger Picture
The NIL era is rapidly evolving. As platforms enter the space, athletes will increasingly rely on organizations that demonstrate reliability and integrity. NIL Club’s high trust rating signals a shift: athletes want structure, clarity, and protection—not chaos.
