Friday, May 15, 2026

College Athletes Can Get Paid To Promote Voting, Thanks to NIL

  • “All Vote No Play” has enlisted athletes nationwide to encourage their peers to vote.
  • The initiative includes athletes helping at the polls and posting on social media.
Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

During the 2020 election cycle, college athletes nationwide used their platform to help their peers. Thanks to name, image, and likeness rules, they can now get paid to do so.

A group of athletes have signed deals to promote an initiative called “All Vote No Play,” which provides educational resources for civic engagement and encourages teams to give athletes the day off to vote.

More than 150 athletes are participating through the help of NIL collectives, according to On3, by helping out at the polls and posting on social media. 

“We’re trying to help all athletes see, flex and grow their ‘civic muscles’ like they do their athletic muscles,” the website said.

“All Vote No Play” was first launched in 2020, and was a driving force behind the NCAA rule change at the time that prohibited Division I teams from holding activities on Election Day. 

Since then, however, the NCAA has rolled back that rule — in-season teams can practice or play on Election Day so long as they give athletes a day off for “civic engagement” within 30 days of Nov. 8.

Division II athletes, however, will all get the day off for the first time.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jul 29, 2025; Montreal, QC, Canada; Maya Joint (AUS) reacts after scoring a point against Leylah Fernandez (CAN) in first round play at IGA Stadium.

NCAA Proposes Prize Money Rule Change After Landmark Settlement

The change would allow players to accept prize money without affecting eligibility.
Mar 29, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; UConn Huskies guard Braylon Mullins (24) celebrates after making the game-winning three-point basket against the Duke Blue Devils in the second half during an Elite Eight game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena

Braylon Mullins Waiting to Cash In On Game-Winning Shot

Mullins is holding off on NIL opportunities until the Huskies’ season ends.

Brett Yormark and Cody Campbell Fight Over Who Runs Big 12

“He is not the dictator of the conference. That’s not his role.”

Iowa State Star Audi Crooks Enters Transfer Portal

Crooks, an Iowa native, has one year of eligibility remaining.

Featured Today

‘The Sonics Never Died’: The Long Afterlife of Seattle NBA Merch

Inside “the largest team shop for a team that doesn’t exist.” 
Mar 27, 2026; Washington, DC, USA;UConn Huskies forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) dunks the ball against the Michigan State Spartans in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena
March 28, 2026

March Madness Coaches Debate ‘Blueblood’ in NIL Era

The term’s meaning was up for debate at men’s March Madness.
Maxime Vachier Lagrave
March 25, 2026

The Planet’s Best Chess Players Are Having Their LIV Golf Moment

Chess’s most prestigious tournament is battling a splashy Saudi event.
Beau Brune/LSU
March 22, 2026

College Athletic Departments Are Becoming Media Companies

“There’s only so many tickets you can sell, but content is infinite.”

NCAA Is Trying to Close NBA Draft Eligibility Loophole

If passed, the rules will be implemented by the next academic year.
April 1, 2026

The European Agent Behind the Illinois Final Four Run

Miško Ražnatović represents four of the Illinois “Balkan Five.” 
April 1, 2026

Why a Furniture Store Is Risking $50M on UConn Basketball

Jordan’s Furniture will refund purchases if both Huskies teams make the final.
Sponsored

Baseball Is Back: MLB Opening Day Prices Soar

MLB Opening Day ticket prices are at record highs. TickPick data breaks down demand, pricing trends, and where fans are paying the most.
March 30, 2026

Top Seeds Sweep Women’s Final Four As 2025 Teams All Return

It’s the first repeat Final Four in 30 years.
exclusive
March 30, 2026

Alabama, Nebraska, Michigan Spent Most on CFB Private Jet Travel

Texas A&M spent $493,000 on coach Mike Elko’s travel alone.
March 29, 2026

UConn Men, Women Reach Final Four Despite Financial Pressures

UConn men and women both reach Final Four in rare feat.
Mar 27, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cameron Boozer (12) attempts to dribble the ball past St. John's Red Storm forward Bryce Hopkins (23) in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena
March 27, 2026

Duke vs. St. John’s: The Battle of Dueling Roster Strategies

In the “unrestricted free agency” era, the Blue Devils won out.