‍How Scout helped ODU Athletics guide student-athletes through 2025 tax filings, with less compliance risk and real financial literacy built in

Partner: Old Dominion University Athletics

The problem

NIL and revenue-share deals gave Old Dominion student-athletes something new: real taxable income. For many, it was the first time.

That income came with paperwork most 19-year-olds had never seen. A single 1099 can turn into a 10 to 15 page tax return. Without the right infrastructure, that meant real risk: filing errors, financial stress, and compliance exposure for athletes and the school alike.

An athlete-first approach

ODU didn't want a compliance patch. They wanted an answer that put athletes first, one that protected the department and also helped athletes understand their own money.

Scout worked with ODU to:

  • Centralize NIL financial processes in one place
  • Reduce compliance risk for the athletic department
  • Build financial literacy into the athlete experience, not tack it on afterward

The Scout Athlete solution

ODU athletes had access to the Scout Athlete Solution. It pairs a digital platform with one-on-one guidance from Scout's team, and it supported athletes through their 2025 tax filings. They had a clear process, a real person to ask, and the tools to understand what they were filing and why.

The results

  • Accurate filings: athletes filed with confidence and fewer mistakes
  • Reduced compliance risk: for athletes and for the university
  • Stronger athlete trust: athletes saw the department invest in them
  • A repeatable model: a framework other programs can adopt

In their words

"NIL has created real income for our student-athletes, and with that comes real responsibility. Covering their tax filings is about education, protection, and long-term development. It removes fear, reduces mistakes, and shows we're invested in them as whole people, not just performers."
— Dr. Ronald Moses, Former Deputy Athletic Director, Old Dominion University

Why it matters

Every athlete earning NIL or revenue-share money now has a tax obligation, and most have never filed a return this complex. Programs that leave athletes to figure it out alone take on the risk too: filing errors, stressed athletes, and compliance exposure that lands on the department.

ODU showed there's a better approach. Treat tax season as part of athlete development, not just a compliance checkbox. That protects athletes, protects the program, and builds trust that lasts.

Work with Scout

ODU is one of 40+ partner programs across Power Conference, Group of Five, and Mid-Major institutions working with Scout to protect athletes' financial futures.

Interested in bringing this to your program? Book a 15-minute call with our team here.
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‍Disclosure: This article is for general informational purposes and isn't tax or legal advice for your specific situation.Tax laws are subject to change and vary by country. Always loop in qualified professionals before acting.