It is more important than ever for college athletes to develop a strategy that enables them to make use of their name, image and likeness amid the rapidly evolving framework for college sports. With the fourth anniversary of NCAA rules permitting college athletes to make money from the commercial use of their NIL just behind us, the newly approved House v. NCAA settlement, state legislation and proposed federal legislation continue to change the field. Here are four important guidelines for athletes interested in making the most of a rich landscape.

The NIL era opened the floodgates for college athletes, with a rush of businesses and brands seeking to partner with college athletes to reach their target audiences and consumers. Though the first few years have been described as “chaotic” or “unstable,” constant change in the marketplace means financial opportunity for college athletes willing to embrace it.

With College Football Playoff Championships often clearing 25 million viewers, and this year’s men’s March Madness championship topping 18 million, partnering with athletes is a no-brainer for brands of all sizes. Opportunities for athletes (especially those with social media followings) to........

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