How Should Universities Adapt to Support Global Athletes?
The Global Athlete
Today’s student-athletes are no longer just local stars or national prospects. They're global talents—bringing cultural richness, elite skill, and unique challenges to university athletic programs across the U.S. These athletes come from every continent, often arriving on F1 visas with dreams of competing at the highest collegiate levels, earning their degrees, and launching professional careers. Yet while the playing field has become more global, the support systems behind the scenes haven’t fully caught up.
From housing and academics to mental health and team dynamics, universities have made commendable strides in providing inclusive environments. But when it comes to financial empowerment—specifically Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities—international athletes often remain on the sidelines due to complex immigration laws, limited infrastructure, and fear of noncompliance. These athletes are as talented and brand-worthy as their domestic teammates, but the system makes it difficult to treat them equally.
The challenge, then, isn’t just about opportunity—it’s about equity. How can universities close the gap for global athletes and provide the same level of support, protection, and possibility? That’s where innovation, legal clarity, and trusted partnerships become crucial.
Recognizing The Problem
Universities must start by recognizing that international athletes face barriers that go beyond the field. U.S. immigration law, particularly around F1 visa restrictions, prohibits traditional employment—which includes most forms of NIL compensation if paid domestically. This creates a situation where global athletes are visible, marketable, and in demand—but are legally restricted from participating in the same deals as their peers.
Secondly, athletic departments, compliance officers, and NIL collectives often lack the expertise or tools to support these athletes without jeopardizing their visa status. This isn’t due to negligence—it’s due to a fast-changing legal landscape and the absence of global financial infrastructure that works in tandem with NCAA guidelines and immigration policies. The result? Missed opportunities, inconsistent support, and heightened risk for both the athlete and the institution.
Finally, universities are beginning to see that talent pipelines are global—and that winning programs must adapt accordingly. But adapting doesn’t just mean recruitment. It means rethinking financial aid, building smarter partnerships, and implementing solutions that allow international athletes to safely earn, grow, and thrive without compromise.
The Solution
At Ross Oneil Investments (ROI), we specialize in closing this gap.
As a global NIL clearinghouse, ROI helps universities and athletic programs structure international payment pathways that are fully compliant with NCAA regulations and immigration law. Our solutions allow international athletes to receive compensation—legally and securely—by working outside the U.S. through approved international engagements. We also provide legal frameworks, digital tracking tools, and institutional support to ensure each payment is backed by strategy, not guesswork.
For athletic departments, we become a trusted partner—offering guidance on international deal structuring, brand licensing, and talent representation. For athletes, we unlock a future where their talent, values, and efforts can be rewarded on equal terms. And for universities, we offer peace of mind: a clear, legal path that transforms potential into performance.
In this global era of college athletics, the question isn't if universities should adapt to support global athletes. It's how. At ROI, we’re here to help make that path smart, safe, and sustainable—for everyone involved.
We create clear, legally sound paths that help international athletes thrive.
