Build Sep 29, 2026, 5:58 PM ET · version 51f955b

Help Center

Got Questions? We've Got Answers.

Clear answers on what Capital Forge League is, how athletes and veterans build together, how fans support programming, and how competition works — without the mint wash, without the noise.

501(c)(3) nonprofit education0% equity — teams own venturesCapstone = the team's finished work, scored
Start here

Got Questions

What CFL is, who it's for, and how Join the Project differs from the Capstone.

What is Capital Forge League?

Capital Forge League (CFL) is a Florida 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides business education to veterans and athletes through collaborative learning partnerships.

Teams develop sports-tech and venture skills and compete in season-based programming. CFL welcomes athletes across NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, WNBA, MLS, NCAA, NASCAR, PGA, Olympic sports, international leagues, combat sports, esports, and beyond.

CFL does not broker securities, take commissions, or host offerings. It is an educational competition and mentorship platform.

What's the difference between "Join the Project" and the Capstone?

Join the Project means contributing skills, expertise, mentorship, or learning-partner time — participation in CFL education and competition.

The Capstone is the finished work each team files and presents at the end of a season — the plan, the numbers, the research, what it built and the pitch — scored as coursework. It is not a securities platform and does not host offerings.

CFL = education · Capstone = the team's finished work
Is CFL only for college athletes?

No. CFL is for student, active professional, and retired athletes — plus veterans as learning partners. If you competed at an elite level, you're in scope.

How does CFL teach financial literacy?

Curriculum includes:

  • Budgeting for Builders
  • Venture Evaluation
  • Personal Brand as Business Asset
  • Capital Deployment Strategy (when to raise, deal structure)
  • Equity vs. Employment

Financial literacy isn't enough. We teach financial mastery.

"Financial literacy isn't enough. We teach financial mastery."
Applicants

Common Questions

Equity, schedules, matching, tech skills, and applying with a partner you already have.

Do I need a business idea to apply?

A rough idea helps, but it isn't required for athletes or veterans. CFL helps you shape direction with mentors and learning partners.

Does CFL take equity in my company?

No. CFL is a 501(c)(3). It takes 0% equity. Teams keep 100% ownership of their ventures.

What if I'm still playing or serving?

Athletes can work around in-season and off-season schedules. Veterans on active duty need command approval and must follow applicable ethics rules.

What if I don't get matched?

CFL accepts roughly ~80% of applicants. If you aren't matched this season, you are priority for the next season.

Do I need tech skills?

No. Learning partners, technical mentors, or contractors can cover product and tech execution while you focus on domain strength and leadership.

Can I apply with a learning partner I already have?

Yes — especially for veteran–athlete pairs. Otherwise, CFL provides matching.

Athletes FAQ

For Athletes

Student, active professional, retired — all sports, all stages.

How much time does it take?

Minimum 5–10 hours/week during the season (ten weeks). More if you're building aggressively.

What if my team doesn't reach 100 yards?

You still get training, network, and experience. Not reaching 100 isn't failure — you're building skills for the long game.

Which sports and leagues does CFL work with?

All of them. CFL welcomes athletes from NFL, NBA/WNBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, NCAA (all divisions), NASCAR, PGA, plus Olympic sports, international leagues, combat sports, extreme sports, esports, and beyond.

If you competed at an elite level, you're in scope.

I'm still playing. Can I participate while active?

Yes. Programming flexes around in-season and off-season. Many athletes pair with a veteran learning partner and turn a name into a real business foundation without quitting the game.

I'm retired. Is it too late for me?

No. Retired athletes bring time, network depth, and credibility. The learning-partner model with a veteran co-builder is built for this transition.

NIL disclosure: what CFL is, and what it is not

CFL is not your NIL agent. Capital Forge League acts only as an outreach facilitator. It prepares your outreach materials and introduces you to local businesses. It does not act as your agent, your representative or your attorney.

CFL does not negotiate for you. CFL will not negotiate, counter, accept or sign any deal on your behalf. You decide every term yourself, together with your parent or guardian if you are under 18.

No guarantee of any result. CFL cannot promise that any business will respond, that any offer will come, or that you will earn anything. CFL does not secure, and does not promise, any result for you.

Get your own advice. Have any contract reviewed by your own attorney before you sign it. CFL takes no fee and no share of any deal, and the business pays you directly.

Is CFL my NIL agent? Will CFL negotiate deals for me?

CFL is not your NIL agent. Capital Forge League acts only as an outreach facilitator. It prepares your outreach materials and introduces you to local businesses. It does not act as your agent, your representative or your attorney.

CFL does not negotiate for you. CFL will not negotiate, counter, accept or sign any deal on your behalf. You decide every term yourself, together with your parent or guardian if you are under 18.

Read the full NIL disclosure.

Does CFL guarantee I will get an NIL deal?

No guarantee of any result. CFL cannot promise that any business will respond, that any offer will come, or that you will earn anything. CFL does not secure, and does not promise, any result for you.

Have any contract reviewed by your own attorney before you sign it. CFL takes no fee and no share of any deal, and the business pays you directly.

"Your jersey will be retired. Your company won't be."
Community

For Supporters & Fans

How to back the mission, vote, and participate — without confusing CFL education with securities offerings.

Can I support a team financially?

CFL accepts tax-deductible donations that fund educational programming, mentorship, and infrastructure — not ownership stakes in individual teams.

CFL does not accept earmarked donations for individuals, does not broker securities, and does not host offerings.

What does "voting" actually do?

Voting advances teams down virtual sports fields in a gamified educational competition. Every 3 yards equals one community vote. Reaching 100 yards can unlock Forge recognition and Game Day eligibility.

Critical: Voting is not a purchase of securities. Votes confer no ownership, financial rights, or claim on any venture.

Can I donate to support specific teams or athletes?

No. Donations to CFL support the overall educational mission (programming, mentorship, platform). CFL does not accept earmarked donations for individuals and does not broker securities or host offerings.

What happens after I "Reserve Interest" in a project?

"Reserving interest" is a non-binding signal. A founder may follow up with details. There is zero obligation, and you can withdraw anytime. It is not a commitment to purchase securities.

"Every CFL member is a potential learning partner, advisor, or first customer."
Season play

Competition & Stadium

How teams advance, rank, and earn recognition.

How does the CFL competition work?

Veteran–athlete teams start at the 0-yard line and advance toward 100 yards through votes and milestones.

10 yardsHomepage feature
25 yardsMentor pairing priority
50 yardsPitch coaching + mentor intro
60 yardsRed Zone coaching
80 yardsPitch showcase presentation
100 yardsForge recognition / Game Day eligibility

This is not gambling. This is educational competition.

What are "Stadium Events"?

Live voting sessions with a scoreboard and leaderboard. CFL does not broadcast professional sports leagues (NFL, NBA, etc.) — Stadium is CFL's own competition experience.

How are teams ranked?

By yard-line position in Florida rank, national rank, and category rank (e.g., Sports Tech). Rankings reflect educational competition performance.

Can I participate as a fan without being an athlete or veteran?

Yes. Fans can register to vote, follow teams, and support the mission. Start at Join the League.

"You've competed for championships. Now compete for the next chapter."

Didn't find your answer? Contact us or join the conversation.

Email preferred. No phone listed. Use Contact Us for routing to athletes@, veterans@, support@, or partnerships@.