The Role of International Clearing Houses In Retaining Elite International Student-Athletes

The Role

Every fall, elite student-athletes from around the world arrive on U.S. college campuses, carrying more than just athletic dreams—they bring hopes of opportunity, education, and financial growth. These athletes often represent the very best talent in their respective countries, and their presence helps elevate not just sports programs, but university brands as a whole. Yet, behind the scenes, many of these international students face complex, invisible hurdles—especially when it comes to participating in the NCAA’s growing Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) economy.

Due to restrictions tied to F1 visa status, international athletes cannot legally “work” in the U.S. outside of tightly defined parameters. NIL income, while permissible for domestic athletes, becomes a legal gray area for their international teammates. This lack of clarity creates frustration, inequity, and even the risk of athletes returning home—not because they lacked talent or dedication, but because they had no legal way to earn what their teammates could.

This isn’t just a student issue—it’s a retention issue. Top programs across the NCAA are now grappling with how to support and retain international athletes who are otherwise sidelined from NIL opportunities. The need for a compliant, transparent, and athlete-first solution has never been more urgent.

The Problem

While many schools have adopted NIL policies for domestic students, most lack any clear framework for international students—leaving coaches, compliance officers, and administrators in a constant state of uncertainty. For international athletes, this gap can lead to missed endorsement deals, limited brand growth, and—most critically—the perception that their contributions are undervalued. This can be especially demoralizing when peers in the same locker room are signing deals and building personal brands, while they are left watching from the sidelines.

To retain international athletes and ensure their well-being, universities must think globally while acting legally. This means partnering with experts who understand both the letter of immigration law and the spirit of athlete equity. Simply put, if schools can’t provide a legal and viable NIL solution, they risk losing their best global recruits to programs or countries that can.

Fortunately, a new category of NIL partner is emerging: the international clearing house. These entities operate in foreign jurisdictions and work closely with schools, collectives, and athletes to build compliant payment pathways that align with NCAA and immigration standards—without jeopardizing a student-athlete’s visa or future.

The Solution

Ross Oneil Investments (ROI) is proud to lead the way as a trusted international clearing house, designed specifically to support the evolving needs of international student-athletes.

With headquarters in The Bahamas and a network of legal and financial experts across borders, ROI creates customized NIL pathways for F1 visa athletes—allowing them to complete NIL-related tasks outside the U.S. and receive payments legally through foreign channels. Our process ensures immigration compliance, athlete protection, and peace of mind for institutions.

We work directly with universities to develop white-labeled NIL solutions that integrate with their brand, reduce legal exposure, and improve athlete retention. Our platform handles everything from payment processing and content licensing agreements to risk evaluation and athlete onboarding. And because we know the stakes, we prioritize trust, transparency, and relationship building every step of the way.

By partnering with ROI, universities not only retain elite international talent—they send a message: We see you. We support you. And we’ve built a system where you can succeed—just like everyone else.

In the new NIL era, that kind of commitment makes all the difference.