7 Things Every College Athlete Should Know to Protect Their Performance Data
- Kristy Gale
- Oct 21, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 23, 2025
In the era of wearable tech and performance analytics, college athletes are generating more data than ever before. From GPS-tracked sprints to biometric feedback and recovery stats, athlete data is a goldmine.
But who owns it? Who profits from it? And how can you protect it?
If you're an NCAA star or just breaking into your college career, understanding your data rights is as important as knowing your playbook. Here's what you need to know to manage what happens with your data.
What Is Performance Data—And Why It Matters
Performance data goes beyond box scores. It includes:
In-game stats like speed, acceleration, reaction time
Wearable tech metrics (e.g., heart rate, sleep, GPS location, load)
Biometric readings like VO2 max and fatigue levels
Video and analysis, scouting notes, AI-based assessments, and ML models
Why it matters: This data can shape recruiting and scholarship decisions, NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals and compensation, and even get sold to third parties.
Who Owns Your Performance Data?
Ownership is a legal gray area. Often, data is collected by:
Your athletic department or school
Third-party health & training facilities and labs, tech platforms, and/or app providers
Conference or league partners
Pro Tip: Pay attention when staff explain athlete data policies or provide waivers and other communications about your data, then ask questions and consider whether you are retaining control and ownership before signing anything granting consent to use, share, or sell your data.
Read the Fine Print on Apps and Devices
Whether you’re using a team-assigned wearable or your own recovery app, always check:
Data ownership clauses
Sharing policies with third parties
Whether data is stored or anonymized
If it sounds vague, assume the platform has the right to use or sell your data.
Consult Your Compliance Office
Your school’s compliance office should be able to:
Explain what tech is being used
Show where your data is stored
Tell you who has access (e.g., coaches, trainers, sponsors)
Ask this: “Can I opt out of certain tracking devices or apps?” You may have more control than you think.
Be Smart About Public Platforms
Platforms like Strava, Whoop, and even Instagram can reveal sensitive performance details if you’re not careful.
Steps to protect yourself:
Think before you share - ask yourself, what are the potential consequences to me or my career?
Set profiles to private or only share on privacy-protected profiles
Avoid linking to public leaderboards
Don’t overshare screenshots with sensitive metrics
Your Data Is a Monetizable Asset
Performance data can be valuable for:
Athletic departments & universities
Athletic conferences
Brand partnerships
Personalized endorsements
Post-college licensing and NIL deals
Storytelling, content, and marketing
Ownership = Opportunity. If someone is profiting off your data, make sure you’re part of that conversation—and compensation.
Stay Ahead of Evolving Laws
States like Texas, Washington, and Illinois have privacy laws governing biometrics that impact how athlete data may be collected and used. Many states have NIL laws and there are federal laws that influence what can and cannot be done with athlete data. Plus, new public policies and societal practices, like those related to artificial intelligence, can also impact how your data is used.
Stay informed: Partner with advisors and platforms who advocate for athlete data ownership. Learn more about these topics from trusted sources that help you understand the benefits and consequences of sharing your data.
Conclusion: Your athletic performance is more than just a stat sheet—it’s a digital fingerprint of your identity and future value. By understanding your rights and asking the right questions, you can protect that data and turn it into an asset for your career.
If you’re not sure where to start, we’re here to help you take control of your data, your narrative, and your future.
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