Venmo Kicks Off 2026-2027 NIL Season with Nine Standout Student-Athletes and Introduces Money Moves
Venmo named nine student-athletes to its 2026–2027 NIL roster and launched Money Moves, enabling athletes to share earnings with supporters via the platform.
Venmo unveiled its 2026–2027 Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) partner roster on September 16, 2026, featuring nine student-athletes across five sports. Seven of the athletes compete in women’s sports, reflecting Venmo’s focus on growing segments of college athletics. The initiative, called Money Moves, allows athletes to receive NIL payments through Venmo and redistribute funds to teammates, family, coaches, and campus communities who contribute to their success.
The program builds on Venmo’s existing campus presence, including college-branded debit cards and NIL partnerships from the 2025–2026 season. Venmo highlighted research showing 63% of college students are more likely to join group plans when costs can be split digitally, emphasizing the platform’s role in managing shared expenses. Athletes like Sienna Betts of UCLA and DJ Lagway of Baylor University praised the initiative for enabling gratitude and generosity beyond individual earnings.
Money Moves reframes NIL compensation as collective support, encouraging athletes to use Venmo’s tools to acknowledge those who have supported their journeys. The initiative aligns with Venmo’s broader mission to facilitate social payments and strengthen community connections. Venmo plans to showcase the athletes’ contributions throughout the 2026–2027 season on Instagram and TikTok.
Venmo, a PayPal service, positions itself as a leading money-movement platform for younger generations. The company cited survey data from Morning Consult, collected in July 2026, to support claims about student spending habits. Venmo’s announcement follows its expanded role in college athletics and student life through financial tools and partnerships.