Baylor track star Nathaniel Ezekiel has broken school records and competed in the Olympics, but unlike many of his teammates, he can’t profit from his success.
As an international student from Nigeria, U.S. visa restrictions prevent him from signing Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals.
The NCAA allows athletes to make money through sponsorships and brand deals, but immigration laws do not permit international students on F-1 visas to work off-campus. That includes NIL deals, meaning Ezekiel and other foreign athletes are left without opportunities to profit from their personal brands.
“If I want to sign with Adidas or Nike, I have to fly out of the country, do the deal, and come back,” Baylor senior Nathaniel Ezekiel said. “It’s frustrating when you see others getting opportunities that you can’t.”
Haneen Rashwan, Baylor’s Director of NIL Administration, said the rules are strict, with little chance of change anytime soon.
“Right now, international athletes can only earn passive income, like jersey sales, but they can’t actively promote anything," Rashwan said. “The second they do, it becomes illegal.”
Some international athletes have tried to sign deals while back home, but this isn’t always a practical solution.
For now, Ezekiel is focused on finishing his college career before turning professional, where he will finally have the chance to profit from his achievements.
“But for other people that is just a little bit frustrating, you know. You’re doing something extraordinary when no one is actually doing it,” Ezekiel said.
There have been discussions about changing these restrictions, but so far, no action has been taken. Until then, international athletes will continue competing without the same financial opportunities as their American teammates.
This story was produced by Baylor Student Tyler Isgrig and is part of the Baylor University Student Journalism Collaboration with KWBU.