Why real estate agents are mentoring college athletes — and getting referrals

More than 1,400 college athletes from over 325 universities have joined NIL Real Estate, a program that equips them with real‑estate licenses and pairs them with seasoned agents who mentor them in building a referral business while they remain in school. Directed by Keller Williams agent Katy Cookston from her Salem, Virginia office, the initiative began as a small test with athletes at the University of Utah and Brigham Young University before expanding nationally after its first year. Participants become licensed referral agents, earning fees—often $3,000 to $5,000 per closed transaction—when they refer buyers, sellers or investors, and they retain the credential after graduation.

The program’s appeal lies in its practical, lasting value compared with typical name‑image‑likeness (NIL) deals, which usually end upon graduation and often provide only modest earnings. Athletes use referral income to cover tuition and living costs, a significant supplement given that the median NIL payout for college athletes hovers around $1,000 despite headline‑grabbing outliers. By completing licensing requirements and continuing education, the athletes gain a marketable skill that can support them long after their playing days, addressing a broader industry concern: the real‑estate workforce is aging, with the median Realtor now 57 and 44 % over 60. Introducing young, tech‑savvy athletes offers a pipeline of future agents and informed consumers for a sector seeking renewal.

Since its launch, the program has added more than 200 new athletes this year alone, and Cookston reports that the mentorship model not only generates referral business but also educates participants about housing transactions they will likely encounter personally or through family and friends. The model’s success has prompted additional schools to request participation, and Keller Williams continues to seek more mentor agents to meet growing demand. As athletes graduate, the retained licenses and referral networks promise ongoing revenue streams for both the former players and the agents guiding them, potentially reshaping how the real‑estate industry cultivates new talent.

⚡ Effects Interpreter