Hey Coach,

The game has changed.

With the rise of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness), athletes are learning something powerful:

Your value isn’t just what you do… it’s what you can build around it.

Here’s the part most high school coaches miss:

You may not have NIL deals…

…but you absolutely have NIL opportunities.

Not in the recruiting sense.
Not in a gray area.

But in a completely ethical, above-board way that allows you to build income off your knowledge, experience, and reputation.

The Core Idea

NIL at its core is simple:

Leverage your name, your expertise, and your platform to create value.

That applies to players…

And it applies to coaches too.

You already have:

The question is:

Are you using it?

Spring doesn’t have to mean a packed schedule and another drink you regret tomorrow.

This season, I’m reaching for something different: Vesper by Pique.

Pique is known for blending ancient botanicals with modern science to create elevated wellness essentials. Vesper might be my favorite yet. It’s a non-alcoholic, adaptogenic aperitif that delivers the relaxed, social glow of a cocktail. Without alcohol or the next-day fog.

It’s what I pour when I want something special in my glass on a bright spring evening. Each sip feels celebratory and uplifting. Relaxed body. Clear mind. No haze. No sleep disruption.

Crafted with L-theanine, lemon balm, gentian root, damiana, and elderflower, Vesper is sparkling, tart, and beautifully herbaceous.

If you’re ready for a new kind of happy hour, try Vesper here. 🌿✨

Get 10% off for life

The Shift Coaches Need to Make

Most coaches think like this:

“I get paid to coach. That’s it.”

But NIL thinking says:

“I coach… and I build value around it.”

That’s not selfish.

That’s smart.

And when done correctly, it’s 100% ethical.

The Ethics First Rule

Before anything else:

Your side income should never conflict with your role as a coach.

That means:

✔ No pay-to-play situations
✔ No favoritism
✔ No leveraging your team for personal gain
✔ No conflicts with school policies

Your reputation is your greatest asset.

Protect it.

Ethical NIL-Style Income Ideas for Coaches

Here are practical, ethical ways coaches can build additional income:

1. Camps & Clinics

You already coach every day.

Package it.

You’re not selling access to your team.

You’re selling development.

2. Content Creation

Share what you know.

Platforms turn your knowledge into reach.

Reach turns into opportunity.

3. Digital Products

Turn your systems into assets.

You build it once…
and it can pay you repeatedly.

4. Speaking & Training

Coaches are leaders.

Leaders get invited to speak.

Your experience has value beyond your gym.

5. Partnerships (Done Right)

Work with businesses that align with your values:

Only partner where it makes sense.

Authenticity matters.

The Big Advantage Coaches Have

You don’t need to “start from scratch.”

You already have:

Most people spend years trying to build that.

You’re already there.

Quick Win This Week

Ask yourself one question:

“What do I know that could help others improve?”

Then turn that into something simple:

Start small.

Coach’s Perspective

You teach your players to maximize opportunities.

To work hard.
To develop skills.
To think long-term.

This is the same principle.

Building income beyond your salary isn’t about greed.

It’s about:

Final Whistle

NIL changed how athletes think about value.

It should change how coaches think too.

You don’t need to chase money.

You need to build value.

And when you do that the right way…

Income follows.

Subscribe here → Wealth4Coaches Newsletter

Coach Mike Klinzing
Founder, Wealth4Coaches
"Coach smarter. Save better. Live freer."