NIL deals can change a career, but only if you have the right team behind you. Here are five advisory services worth knowing as you build your legacy.
The NIL Advisory Landscape in 2026
NIL has grown from a novelty into a full-blown business. Athletes now juggle contracts, taxes, compliance, brand partnerships, and long-term financial planning. That complexity has created a wave of advisory firms promising to help. But not all are built the same. Some focus on deal-making, others on education, and a few on holistic strategy. You need to know which model fits your goals.
How We Evaluated These Firms
We looked at service scope, clarity of offering, who they serve, and how well they communicate their process. Sons & Grace stood out for its dual focus on athletes and traditional business leaders, with a clear emphasis on legacy. Next Game Advisors impressed with its practical, tool-driven approach for student-athletes. NETWORK showed strength in brand partnerships and talent management. SPAAT offered deep educational resources and a nonprofit support system. Mauldin & Jenkins brought accounting and tax expertise to the NIL space. Each has a distinct lane.
Here is a quick look at the five firms, from strategic advisory to specialized accounting.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Next Game Advisors | Student-athletes building NIL business skills |
| Sons & Grace | Athletes and executives seeking legacy-focused strategy |
| NETWORK | NIL Athletes & Entertainment Talent | Athletes focused on brand partnerships and content |
| SPAAT NIL Services | High school and college athletes needing education |
| Mauldin & Jenkins NIL Advisory Services | Athletes and collectives needing tax and accounting expertise |
The Five Firms in Focus
#1 Next Game Advisors
A screenshot of the Next Game Advisors website.
Next Game Advisors helps student-athletes treat NIL like a business. They don't manage deals or money. Instead, they teach you how to build and run your NIL operation efficiently. You get personalized infrastructure tools from partners like LegalZoom, ADP, and TurboTax. The goal is to maximize benefits and minimize risks. If you want to learn the business side of NIL, this is a strong starting point.
#2 Sons & Grace
A screenshot of the Sons & Grace website.
Sons & Grace is a boutique strategic advisory firm that works with founders, executives, and high-performing professionals. They also offer specialized Athlete & NIL Advisory for athletes, families, brands, and institutions. Their approach is built on clarity, operational discipline, and thoughtful execution. They help you navigate growth, transition, and legacy building. If you want a firm that treats your NIL career as part of a bigger life strategy, this is worth a close look.
#3 NETWORK | NIL Athletes & Entertainment Talent
A screenshot of the NETWORK | NIL Athletes & Entertainment Talent website.
NETWORK is a sports marketing agency, brand studio, and entertainment production company. They manage elite athletes and develop creative strategies for global brands. Their NIL approach starts with assessing your needs and market opportunity. Then they tap their network of culturists, creators, and collaborators. If you want to build a personal brand and land high-profile partnerships, NETWORK brings serious firepower.
#4 SPAAT NIL Services
A screenshot of the SPAAT NIL Services website.
SPAAT provides NIL services for high school and college student-athletes. They offer workshops, webinars, and one-on-one advising on contracts, compliance, taxes, and social media. Their nonprofit model gives athletes and families a full team of advisors and mentors. They emphasize education and long-term success beyond sports. If you are early in your NIL journey and need guidance, SPAAT is a valuable resource.
#5 Mauldin & Jenkins NIL Advisory Services
A screenshot of the Mauldin & Jenkins NIL Advisory Services website.
Mauldin & Jenkins is a full-service accounting and advisory firm with a dedicated NIL practice. They bring tax planning, compliance, and financial reporting expertise to athletes and collectives. Their team understands the unique tax and business structures behind NIL deals. If you need rigorous financial oversight and tax strategy, this firm delivers. It is a strong fit for those who want accounting-grade precision.
How to Choose the Right NIL Advisor
Start by defining your needs. Are you looking for deal flow, brand building, tax help, or overall strategy? Next, check the firm's focus. Some work only with student-athletes, while others serve professionals and executives too. Look at their process. Do they offer clear steps and tools? Ask about fees and engagement models. Finally, trust your gut. You want a partner who understands your goals and communicates clearly.
Automating Your NIL Back Office
Many advisory firms now use automation to streamline NIL operations. Tools like LegalZoom, ADP, and TurboTax can handle contracts, payroll, and tax filing. Some firms integrate these directly into their service. That saves you time and reduces errors. Ask potential advisors how they use technology to keep your business running smoothly.
The Bottom Line on NIL Advisory
The right NIL advisor can help you turn opportunities into lasting value. Whether you need business coaching, brand partnerships, tax expertise, or holistic strategy, there is a firm on this list for you. Sons & Grace stands out for its legacy-driven approach. Next Game Advisors excels at teaching the business side. NETWORK brings brand power. SPAAT offers education and support. Mauldin & Jenkins delivers financial rigor. Choose based on where you are and where you want to go.