A new software platform developed by fintech startup Roy, Inc. is poised to transform how universities manage Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) reporting and compliance. NILVault provides athletic departments with an innovative technological solution designed to streamline the complex process of tracking and reporting athlete NIL deals under new federal judicial oversight.
The platform addresses a critical challenge in college athletics by automating NIL contract tracking and reporting. Athletes can easily upload NIL contracts, and the system automatically reviews and reports details to university compliance teams. A key feature includes transaction monitoring that flags potential payments exceeding the $600 reporting threshold, creating an opportunity for athletes to confirm or correct reporting information.
With the House v. NCAA settlement introducing more stringent reporting requirements effective July 1, 2025, NILVault offers athletic departments comprehensive dashboards that provide granular insights into NIL activities. These dashboards can reveal sponsor engagement, earnings by position, and potential compliance gaps, enabling more strategic decision-making for athletic administrators, coaches, and development officers.
Founded by serial entrepreneur Cale Johnston, Roy aims to apply fintech innovation to the evolving NIL landscape. Johnston likens the current transformation in college athletics to the technological disruption that reshaped banking fifteen years ago, emphasizing the shift toward more transparent and efficient systems.
The platform's design ensures that while providing comprehensive oversight, it maintains athlete privacy by not exposing personal banking details. Instead, NILVault focuses on generating actionable insights that can inform recruiting strategies, sponsorship outreach, and institutional development efforts.
As college sports enter a new era of financial complexity, NILVault represents a technological solution that could become essential for universities navigating the intricate NIL regulatory environment. By transforming compliance from a potential administrative burden into a strategic asset, the platform may help institutions adapt more effectively to the rapidly changing landscape of collegiate athletics.
