NIL is so important for high school athletes looking to monetize their personal brands. Knowing what is permissible (allowable), what to avoid, and how to seize opportunities can set the foundation for a successful, profitable NIL experience. Understanding the types of requests and agreements peer athletes are receiving can also increase your odds of landing an NIL partnership that works for you. Below is a quick overview of NIL, and 7 examples of activities athletes can participate in to earn money. now.
Understanding NIL for High School Athletes
Quick overview. NIL allows athletes to receive compensation for the use of their name, image, or likeness. This means you can engage in activities like endorsements, sponsorships, and personal appearances to earn income. However, the rules governing NIL deals differ significantly across states and school associations. As of 2024, at least 39 state high school associations in the U.S. permit NIL deals, but it’s important to check with your state’s specific regulations to ensure compliance.
Examples of Permissible Activities. These are activities you’re allowed to participate in to make money off of your name, image and likeness. They might include:
- Social Media Endorsements: promoting products or services on your personal social media accounts.
- Sponsored Content: treating content in partnership with brands that align with your image.
- Personal Appearances: participating in events or autograph sessions for compensation.
Activities to Avoid
- Using School Branding: many states don’t allow the use of school names, logos, apparel, or uniforms in NIL activities. For example, Kentucky’s regulations (as of May 2024) allow NIL deals but restrict athletes from using school-related branding.
- Pay-for-Play Arrangements: accepting compensation that is contingent upon specific athletic performance or outcomes is generally prohibited. So, you should not accept offers that are based on the amount of points you put up, the yards you run, or the amount of competitions you win or lose.
- Accepting Benefits from School Affiliates: receiving compensation from individuals or entities directly affiliated with your school can jeopardize your eligibility. For example, another coach, an administrator, a professor, etc.
Steps to Pursue NIL Opportunities. As a high school athlete, you have time on your side. Make the time to invest in a strong foundation but taking the following steps before reaching out to potential sponsors:
- Educate Yourself: familiarize yourself with your state’s NIL regulations and your school’s policies to ensure compliance. Take a few minutes each day understanding what is permissible and what isn’t. If you’re not sure what actions you can or cannot pursue, contact an administrator at your school or an outside professional.
- Build Your Personal Brand: cultivate a positive and authentic presence on social media platforms to attract potential partnerships. Focus on creating solid content consistently so that over time, your brand grows.
- Seek Professional Guidance: consider consulting with professionals experienced in sports marketing or NIL deals to navigate contracts and negotiations effectively.
- Network Proactively: connect with local businesses and community organizations that may be interested in partnering with you. Starting small is a great way to leverage your position as a micro-influencer.
Upcoming Developments in 2025
With NIL being so new, this space is going to continue to change each day for a long time. For example, in December 2024, Missouri lawmakers pre-filed legislation aiming to expand existing laws to allow high school athletes to earn compensation under specific conditions. Staying informed about moves like this is crucial, as they can significantly impact your opportunities and the regulations you must follow.
Even if you’re waiting to sign with a school, you can get an early start on learning about the NIL space while building your brand. To be successful in securing NIL opportunities as a high school athlete, it’s so important to understand the ‘rules of the road’ to successfully monetize your NIL while maintaining your athletic eligibility.