How are schools assigned?

Schools are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Once you've selected an available school and completed your onboarding, that university becomes your assigned territory.

What happens if the school I want is already claimed?

If a school has already been assigned, it remains with that agent as long as that agent remains an active member in good standing with KW NIL. We encourage you to choose another university in your market or surrounding area.

Can more than one agent work with the same school?

No. We assign one agent per university to eliminate competition within the network and allow each member to build meaningful relationships with their assigned campus.

How do I get connected with athletes?

Our Agent Playbook provides proven strategies and step-by-step guidance for connecting with student-athletes, coaches, athletic departments, and the surrounding campus community. Success comes from consistently implementing the outreach strategies outlined in the program.

What if an athlete doesn't complete the licensing course?

There is no penalty if an athlete decides not to finish the licensing course or become licensed. While we encourage every athlete to complete the program, participation is ultimately their decision.

How are referrals handled?

All referrals should be submitted through the NIL Real Estate administrative team. Simply email kwnil@kw.com, and our team will coordinate the referral, document the transaction, and ensure the appropriate parties receive credit and compensation.

KW NIL

Welcome to the KW NIL Collegiate Athlete Referral Network, a nationwide community where Keller Williams® agents and collegiate athletes connect with confidence.

For Real Estate Agents of the Future

Our community is built on one simple idea: to create meaningful relationships that help student-athletes succeed beyond their playing careers, while giving agents a unique opportunity to become the trusted real estate resource for their assigned university and surrounding community.

As a member, you'll build connections with student-athletes, coaches, families, alumni, and local supporters through mentorship, education, and community involvement. Whether an athlete pursues a real estate license or simply wants to learn about homeownership and investing, we are dedicated to providing opportunities that drive long-term success.

Together, we're building stronger communities, stronger relationships, and a network where everyone wins.

A network where athletes, universities, and agents connect with confidence.

Want to learn more?

Feel free to reach out to us with any inquiries at kwnil@kw.com

Member Benefits

Feeds local athletes who want to enter real estate as a career

Bi-weekly training on NIL offerings, social media training, NIL laws and compliance

Exclusivity in your market with an official Mentor Badge within universities and colleges

Marketing and advertising materials in compliance with university marks

Become a KW NIL Member

KW NIL is a community built to help real estate agents foster meaningful relationships with local student-athletes while creating a lasting sphere of influence. Through mentorship, education, and real-world guidance, our agents help athletes develop valuable business and life skills, explore careers in real estate, and build a foundation for success long after their playing days are over.

Individual Membership

As a member of KW NIL, you'll gain access to:

Specialized training on mentoring collegiate athletes
A platform connecting you with participating schools across the country
Direct coaching on guiding student-athletes into real estate careers
A turnkey backend system enabling student-athletes to earn a free referral license
Agent strategies for building a thriving sphere of influence (SOI) through college athletics

Recurring Fee: $149 / Month

Join Now

Our Team

Katy Cookston

Community Leader, KW NIL

Katy is a seasoned real estate professional with a proven track record of excellence. She transitioned into real estate full-time in 2018 and launched her team, Katy & Co, in 2019. Since 2020, she has consistently ranked among the top agents in her office, earning a reputation for exceptional client service and results-driven leadership.

In the spring of 2023, Katy joined NIL Real Estate to help collegiate athletes build long-term wealth through real estate. By 2025, she was promoted to Director of Marketing, leading the company’s branding, growth, and national outreach. The following year, she stepped into the role of Director of the Program, overseeing NIL Real Estate's expansion and spearheading its successful relocation to Virginia, where the organization continues to grow and serve student-athletes nationwide.

Outside of real estate, Katy enjoys spending time with her husband, Matt, their two children, George and Charleigh, and their three spoiled dogs—who frequently make appearances in her marketing. Deeply committed to giving back, she has dedicated countless hours to local organizations and founded Katy & Co Cares, a nonprofit focused on local community enrichment. Through her leadership, dedication to service, and passion for helping others succeed, Katy continues to make a meaningful difference both in the industry and her community.

Frequently Asked Questions

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