How to read an NIL valuation

An estimate measures a model’s assessment

A published NIL valuation is an estimate of value under a particular methodology. It does not establish a payment, salary, signed contract, or an athlete’s earnings. Starproofed displays third-party estimates and links reported coverage separately.

Two services can produce different estimates because they use different inputs, assumptions, or dates. A difference alone does not prove either service has confirmed a deal.

Check the date attached to the value

The valuation source date, collection date, and page-render date describe different events. A page refreshed today can still contain an older estimate. Where the source date is unavailable, we say so. Our coverage report counts old and undated estimates explicitly.

Compare the same population

A recruiting-class list and a college-player list answer different questions. Compare the same sport and population, identify the sample size, and check whether missing values could change the picture. An unpriced player has an unknown value; excluding that player from a median is different from assigning a value of zero.

A reported deal is a separate claim

Read the linked reporting for the agreement’s scope, duration, source, and disclosed terms. A valuation should not be used to fill in terms a report does not disclose. Our confidence labels distinguish modeled estimates, attributed reports, verified information, and undisclosed terms.

Try a transparent comparison

The football position analysis shows the median of positive published estimates, the count of priced profiles, and coverage limitations. Its CSV and JSON downloads expose the same aggregate figures shown on the page.

Sources and further reading: Starproofed methodology and our citation reference.