| Category | Transfer Portal | NIL Sports Portal |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | To leave a school and seek new playing opportunities. | To stay and publicly declare NIL status for visibility and monetization. |
| Who It's For | College athletes (NCAA D-I, D-II, D-III). | All athletes—high school*, college, and amateur. |
| What It Does | Signals you're open to being recruited by other schools. | Signals you're ready for NIL opportunities from sponsors and fans. |
| Movement | Requires changing schools or teams. | No transfer needed—you grow where you play. |
| Access | Limited to NCAA athletes. | Open to all levels and sports (in NIL-approved states). |
| Timing | Has specific transfer windows. | Available year-round—no deadlines. |
| Goal | More playing time, better fit, or new opportunity. | Brand building, sponsorship, and financial growth. |
*High school athlete access depends on state NIL laws.
