Sunday, September 27, 2026
  • -
    days
  • -
    hours
  • -
    minutes
  • -
    seconds

College Athletes Can Get Paid To Promote Voting, Thanks to NIL

  • “All Vote No Play” has enlisted athletes nationwide to encourage their peers to vote.
  • The initiative includes athletes helping at the polls and posting on social media.
Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

During the 2020 election cycle, college athletes nationwide used their platform to help their peers. Thanks to name, image, and likeness rules, they can now get paid to do so.

A group of athletes have signed deals to promote an initiative called “All Vote No Play,” which provides educational resources for civic engagement and encourages teams to give athletes the day off to vote.

More than 150 athletes are participating through the help of NIL collectives, according to On3, by helping out at the polls and posting on social media. 

“We’re trying to help all athletes see, flex and grow their ‘civic muscles’ like they do their athletic muscles,” the website said.

“All Vote No Play” was first launched in 2020, and was a driving force behind the NCAA rule change at the time that prohibited Division I teams from holding activities on Election Day. 

Since then, however, the NCAA has rolled back that rule — in-season teams can practice or play on Election Day so long as they give athletes a day off for “civic engagement” within 30 days of Nov. 8.

Division II athletes, however, will all get the day off for the first time.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

ESPN Suffers Technical Troubles During Trump Visit

There was pregame chatter about whether presidential visits affect team communications.

The Biggest Question for LSU Men’s Basketball: Who Is on the Team?

Will Wade said LSU has 15 players but won’t release a list.
Aug 9, 2026; Bedminster, New Jersey, USA; President Donald Trump walks out of the clubhouse during the final round of the LIV Golf New York tournament at Trump National Bedminster.

Trump’s Year of Sports Gets Busier With CFB, Presidents Cup

The impact of Trump’s attendance varies across each sporting event.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

9/25/26 – Trump Skips ‘GameDay,’ Sun Leave Connecticut, Juszczyk’s ‘Juice’ Fine

0:00

Featured Today

A Bar of Their Own

Women’s Sports Bars: Novelty Has Worn Off, ‘That’s a Good Thing’

They’re leveling up, but sustainability remains the first consideration.
Hot & Social/Mets
September 18, 2026

Sports Teams Are Playing a New Role: Matchmaker

The latest promotion at the stadium? Love.
Exclusive
September 18, 2026

Vicious Infighting Is Jeopardizing the Future of Women’s Baseball

The WPBL’s own CEO admits there’s a “power struggle.”
September 17, 2026

Fantasy Football Drafts Are Turning Into Full-Blown Vacations

Leagues are forgoing solo drafts and replacing them with in-person getaways.
Oct 4, 2025; Tempe, AZ, USA; General action during the first period of the game between the Arizona State Sun Devils and the Penn State Nittany Lions at Mullett Arena
September 10, 2026

How Military-Style Workouts in College Sports Get Dangerous

For elite athletes, high-intensity training can be “very appealing.”
Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; United States President Donald Trump (left) and Ivanka Trump (right) before the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

White House Denies Trump Movements Impacted CFP Game

The topic has been widely discussed ahead of Texas-Tennessee.
September 24, 2026

College Basketball Player Has Been in ICE Custody for Weeks

Aminata Seck is in ICE custody after being detained at an airport.
Nov 7, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; The American Athletic Conference logo at Yulman Stadium before the game between the Tulane Green Wave and the Connecticut Huskies. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
September 25, 2026

American ‘Not Proactively Seeking’ New Members Despite Overtures

Three schools reportedly have interest in joining the league.
Sponsored

How Ryan Smith Is Building the Future of Sports in Utah

Utah Jazz and Mammoth owner talks from tech to team ownership.
Sep 12, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables looks on during the second quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
September 24, 2026

Fresh Off $63M Deal, Brent Venables Faces an Oklahoma Crossroads

Georgia and Texas are next for the 2–1 Sooners.
Exclusive
September 24, 2026

How House Republicans Could Make or Break College Sports Bill

The Protect College Sports Act faces potential opposition from many House Republicans.
Oct 3, 2025; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils fans look on against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the second period at Mullett Arena
September 23, 2026

ASU Hockey Coach Declines to Answer Questions About Player’s Collapse

Greg Powers cited an ongoing investigation around Matthew Mayich’s collapse.
Exclusive
September 23, 2026

Dae’Quan Wright, Zxavian Harris Can Play in UFL This Spring

The pair have been blocked from college football and the NFL.