MAPA NIL Live Combine: Homecoming University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
The MAPA NIL Live Combine: Homecoming Edition, presented by MAPA Ticketing Inc. , is coming to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign for Homecoming! Taking place on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. at Wymer Hall, this interactive athlete leadership experience is designed for student-athletes and emerging sports professionals along with the families and community supporting them. It is where athletes and their families come together to learn how to protect, build, and maximize their name, image, and likeness (NIL).
Sponsored by NILE INS, Four Oak Financial, and Gies College of Business
Choose Your Workshops
Financial Planning
NIL Protection
Compliance & Athlete Rights
Media, Brand, & Content Creator
Athlete Wellness & Mental Health
Culture & Innovation
Whether you are a young athlete beginning to plan for your future, a high school student navigating recruitment, or a college athlete preparing to grow your platform and pursue NIL opportunities, you can choose the learning tracks most relevant to your journey. Participants will receive practical guidance on protecting their rights, evaluating opportunities, managing NIL income, creating content, developing a recognizable brand, and preparing for careers within and beyond sports.
The experience will feature a keynote from Illinois basketball legend and 13-year NBA veteran Nick Anderson, along with a special meet and greet, industry masterclasses, professional headshots and content capture, live NIL eligibility guidance, and hands-on career activations. Participants will also hear from experienced leaders across sports, business, law, finance, media, design, and wellness—providing them with actionable knowledge, valuable connections, and resources they can continue using after the event.
Every registration includes access to the MAPA Locker for three months. The locker is a secure digital space where athletes can store and manage the content, credentials, and information that represent them while helping protect their NIL activity and pay.
No previous NIL experience is required— come ready to learn, create, connect, and take greater ownership of your name, your opportunities, and your future.
Registration Information
For athletes under 18, registration must be completed by a parent or legal guardian. Athlete registration also includes admission for one parent or guardian. All registrations are final and non-transferable.
About MAPA Ticketing Inc.
MAPA (Monetizing Assets Protecting Athletes) is an athlete-focused technology company helping athletes and families navigate the opportunities, responsibilities, and risks surrounding NIL. Through education, measurable athlete activity, and the MAPA Locker, MAPA helps protect athlete NIL rights and NIL pay.
Our Sponsors
This event is made possible by the support of NILE INS, Four Oak Financial, and Gies College of Business.