Questions, answered
Fees, payouts, school rules and what “beta” means. Still stuck? Contact us.
Does it cost anything to join?
No. Creating an athlete or business account is free. A platform fee applies only to deals that are funded through the site.
What is the platform fee, and who pays it?
On a cash deal the fee is 10% of the cash amount, with a $5 minimum, and it is withheld from the athlete's payout. For example, on a $250.00 deal the business pays $250.00 and the athlete receives $225.00.
On a product-only deal the business pays a flat $25.00 fee and the athlete receives the product. Standard Stripe processing fees may also apply. Every deal page and contract shows the exact amounts before anyone signs.
When do athletes get paid?
Payments are not live on this deployment yet, so no money moves through the site today. Here is how it works once they are switched on.
After both sides sign, the business funds the cash amount through Stripe and it is held until the business approves the work. On release, the payout goes to the athlete's connected Stripe Express account; Stripe's payout schedule decides when it reaches the bank.
Is this allowed by my school?
Schools, conferences and states each set NIL rules. Trident NIL screens every deal for prohibited categories (such as gambling, tobacco, vaping, cannabis, CBD and adult content), pay-for-play language and recruiting inducements, and each contract page lets an athlete keep a disclosure record.
That screening is a safeguard, not legal advice. Check each deal with your school's compliance office.
What if I'm under 18?
During onboarding you confirm your age. Athletes under 18 must record a parent or guardian's consent before they can apply to a deal or sign a contract; the site blocks both until it is recorded.
What does “beta” mean?
Payments are not live on this deployment yet, so no money moves through the site today. You can still create a profile, post deals, apply, negotiate and sign contracts. The banner at the top of each page goes away when payments are switched on.
Is Trident NIL part of my contract?
No. Trident NIL is a platform, not a party to any deal. The contract is between the athlete and the business; the site generates it from the agreed terms and records both signatures.
Who can see my athlete profile?
Anyone. Athlete profiles are public so businesses can find you: your display name, sport, division, school, graduation year, headline, bio, social handles and follower counts, and any portfolio links you add. Your email address and age are not shown.
Are NIL earnings taxable?
They can be. Trident NIL does not provide tax advice; talk to a tax professional about income you earn through NIL deals.