What is the National Letter of Intent (NLI)?
The NLI is a binding agreement between a prospective student-athlete and an NLI member institution.
- Prospective student-athlete agrees to attend the institution full-time for one academic year (two semesters or three quarters).
- Institution agrees to provide athletics financial aid for one academic year (two semesters or three quarters).
Basic Penalty for not fulfilling the NLI agreement: Serve one year in residence (full-time two semesters or three quarters) at the next NLI member institution and lose one season of competition in all sports.Â
Who signs an NLI?
Prospective student-athletes enrolling in a four-year institution for the first time can sign an NLI. Student-athletes who start their academic career at a four-year institution and then transfer to a two-year college may also sign an NLI if they plan on entering a second four-year institution.
NLI Signing Dates for Prospective Student-Athletes Signing 2017-18 and Enrolling 2018-19
| Sport(s) |
Initial Signing Date |
Final Signing Date |
| Basketball (Early Period) |
November 8, 2017 |
November 15, 2017 |
| Basketball (Regular Period) |
April 11, 2018 |
May 16, 2018 |
| Football (Early Period for Division I) |
December 20, 2017 |
December 22, 2017 |
| Football (Midyear JC Transfer) |
December 20, 2017 |
January 15, 2018 |
| Football (Regular Period) |
February 7, 2018 |
April 1, 2018 |
| Soccer |
February 7, 2018 |
August 1, 2018 |
| All Other Sports (Early Period) |
November 8, 2017 |
November 15, 2017 |
| All Other Sports (Regular Period) |
April 11, 2018 |
August 1, 2018 |
Useful Links
National Letter of Intent Homepage
NLI Frequently Asked Questions
NLI Provisions
Signing Tutorial
Release and Appeals
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