Transfer Portal vs. Declare Your NIL Portal

One moves youThe other builds you.

Category Transfer Portal Declare Your NIL 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.