NIL glossary
What is a student-athlete?
A student-athlete is a student who competes on a school's team, in college or high school; NIL rules differ by level, with college athletes governed by NCAA and College Sports Commission rules and state law, and high school athletes by their state association.
On this page
In detail
The College Sports Commission says revenue sharing does not make student-athletes employees of their schools. Federal law has not settled the employment question; Executive Order 14322 directed the Labor Department and the National Labor Relations Board to clarify athletes' status. See college NIL and high school NIL.
Frequently asked questions
Are student-athletes employees?
Not under the House settlement rules, according to the College Sports Commission. Federal law has not definitively settled the question.
Sources
- Frequently Asked Questions — College Sports Commission
- Executive Order 14322, Saving College Sports — U.S. Government Publishing Office
This is general information, not legal advice. NIL rules differ by state, school, association and sport, and they change often. Check the official sources linked on this page and talk with your school's compliance office, your state association or a licensed attorney before you sign anything.