Collegiate athletes can now earn from their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) through deals. Over 400 marketplaces help them secure endorsements and opportunities.
Some marketplaces have years of experience with professional athletes, while others began after NIL became legal in 2021.
At first glance, they seem quite similar, as they all offer ways for fans to invest in their favorite collegiate athletes.
However, upon closer look, key differences set them apart.
Consider RallyFuel as an example of these differences.
The RallyFuel Guarantee
Launched in August 2025 by Parth Desai, a lifelong college sports fan and tech entrepreneur who wanted to find ways to help fund athletes at his alma mater, Wake Forest, RallyFuel is unique in offering a “no-risk” model for fan participation.
Previously, most NIL-generating sites carried the risk that donors would lose money if the athlete did not ultimately choose their school.
But RallyFuel uses what it calls Conditional NIL Engagement Rights, allowing fans to automatically receive a full refund if the athlete does not sign with their school.
At RallyFuel, funds are only released to support verified athletes for their NIL activities after the athlete officially commits to a school. And if that decision is reversed, the money-back guarantee still applies.
“We created RallyFuel out of a deep frustration—seeing talented athletes miss out on crucial NIL deals due to a lack of visibility and fans hesitant to contribute without certainty,” Desai said. “Our platform bridges that gap, transforming fan passion into tangible, risk-free impact.
“We’re building a vibrant community where every fan can play a part in their team’s future, connect with fellow supporters, and every athlete gets the support they deserve, transparently.”
Beyond Transactions
RallyFuel is designed as a fan-athlete connection platform, making the NIL process more personal and accessible for athletes without agents or existing deals, thereby broadening opportunities for underrepresented talent.
Unlike many platforms focused on Division I stars, RallyFuel strives to spotlight hidden talent, reward loyal fans, and foster a supportive, unified college sports community, making every fan’s involvement impactful.
This personal connection is at the heart of RallyFuel: real fans, real support, real impact.
On a tough day for Oklahoma kicker Tate Sandell, one fan showed what RallyFuel is really about.
A father and his son—both Sooners fans—sent Sandell $100 through the platform with a message:
“Hey, Tate, my kid and I are big fans of yours. It sucks that today was a tough day. But, keep your head up high, you have done yourself, your family, and everyone at OU proud with the FANTASTIC season you have had. Some days are rough, and put this past and go achieve even greater things!! Best!”
Not a five-star recruit. Not a player with a million followers. A kicker.
RallyFuel serves not only high-profile athletes but also walk-ons, non-revenue sports players, and lesser-known competitors. It allows any fan to contribute directly and meaningfully, creating tangible support beyond social media interaction.
One fan. One message. One hundred dollars. That’s fan-powered NIL.
Support Tate Sandell on RallyFuel →
Fun and Competitive Interactions
The site features RallyFuel Battleground, a leaderboard tracking contributions by school, active discussion boards for strategies and recruiting news, and real-time events that connect fans with athletes.
Rewards
Fans earn points and status for engagements, unlocking badges, climbing tier rankings, and gaining access to exclusive perks like meet-and-greets, autographed merchandise, and VIP experiences at events.
Real-Time Tracking
Constantly updated, RallyFuel always has export-ready data on hand for effortless compliance reporting, helping fans, athletes, and schools navigate the complexities of the evolving NIL landscape.
Trustworthy Accounting
All financial transactions through RallyFuel are securely managed by licensed third-party payment processors, ensuring full security and transparency.
Get Started
RallyFuel is available on iOS and Android.
Learn More About the NIL Landscape
Name, Image, and Likeness plays an increasing role in college sports, and understanding how it works often requires more than individual articles or news updates.
RallyFuel is a platform focused on NIL-related topics across college athletics. It brings together information about athletes, NIL activity, and the broader structure behind modern college sports, helping readers explore the topic in more depth.
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