The Basics of the National Letter of Intent

Signing a national letter of intent, also know as NLI,  is an exciting time for many student-athletes. But before you sign on the dotted line make sure you are aware of what it means.

The Basics of the National Letter of Intent

Signing a National Letter of Intent is the first step for athletes solidifying their collegiate careers. But what is the NLI? What exactly do athletes and parents agree to when they sign on the dotted line?

The National Letter of Intent is a “binding agreement between a prospective student-athlete and an NLI member institution. A prospective student-athlete agrees to attend the institution full-time for one academic year (two semesters or three quarters). The institution agrees to provide athletics financial aid for one academic year (two semesters or three quarters)

What Does the NLI Mean?

The NLI is a contract that holds both the university institution and the student-athlete accountable for one academic year.

When a student-athlete and or a parent sign the NLI, the athlete must live out the contract. Failure to fulfill the contract will result in a wasted eligibility year. Even if the athlete stays during the athletic season the contract isn’t over, the athlete must complete the full-academic year as well.

Although the NLI is a binding contract, it isn’t required by institutions, student-athletes or parents to sign.  Between Division I and Division II colleges or universities 650 schools participate in the NLI. However, many athletes and college coaches prefer to sign an NLI because it stops a prospective student-athletes recruiting process. Once someone has signed an NLI, a recruiting ban is in effect, and their recruiting process is over.  

When to Sign an NLI?

Once the NLI is sent athletes have seven days to sign before the document is invalid. The period for athletes to sign their NLI’s vary from sport to sport. Typically, there are two different signing sessions for every sport, an early signing period and a regular signing period. For more information on the signing dates for all sports visit, nationalletter.org/signindates.

Who Signs an NLI?

Every athlete, attending a four-year institution on an athletic scholarship must sign an NLI for it to go into effect for the school year that’s stated in the document. Also, student-athletes under the age of 21 must have a parent or guardian sign their NLI as well. If an athlete is over 21, they do not need a parent or guardian’s signature.

How to Sign an NLI?

There are multiple ways to sign and return the NLI. However, it’s best that athletes and families follow the instructions provided by the institution sending their NLI. Every school can send an NLI in an email as long as the financial aid offer is an attachment in the same email. Many people also choose to fax their NLI’s to their institution as well, which is permissible provided you follow the school’s instructions. It’s also smart to save a copy of the NLI for your records.

What Happens if you Fail to Honor the NLI?

Athletes who fail to honor the NLI commitment will lose a year of eligibility and will have to attend their new NLI institution for one academic year before being eligible athletically. If an athlete chooses to attend a school that isn’t a part of the NLI program than the above punishment doesn’t apply because they don’t follow the same set of rules.

Are you participating in the upcoming signing period for your sport? Or are you still waiting for your collegiate opportunity? Get in contact with one of our professional scouts!