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NIL guide

High school NIL deal checklist

Before a high school athlete signs an NIL deal, confirm that the state association allows it, that the deal uses no school names, logos or uniforms, is not tied to performance or where the athlete goes to school, does not involve boosters or a collective, is in writing with a parent's signature, and will be reported to the school on time.

Last reviewed Checked against official sources

Key facts

  • Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina and Wyoming do not allow high school NIL; Texas allows athletes 17 and older to sign NIL agreements only with colleges.
  • Nearly every state that allows it bans school names, logos, mascots and uniforms.
  • Many states require notice to the school: for example, 7 days in Georgia and Michigan, 72 hours in Pennsylvania and Virginia, 14 days in Ohio.
  • Deals of $600 or more made after the later of July 1, 2025 or junior year must be reported to NIL Go if the athlete enrolls at a Division I school.
On this page
  1. The checklist
  2. If you are not sure
  3. Frequently asked questions
  4. Sources

The checklist

  • 1. Check your state's rule under NIL rules by state and with your athletic director.
  • 2. Confirm the deal uses no school name, logo, mascot, uniform, facilities or association marks.
  • 3. Make sure pay is not tied to stats, wins, making a team, or enrolling at or transferring to a school.
  • 4. Check who is paying: many states ban deals arranged or paid by boosters, coaches, school staff or collectives.
  • 5. Check the category against your state's banned list (commonly alcohol, tobacco and vaping, cannabis, gambling, weapons and adult content).
  • 6. Get the deal in writing, with deliverables, dates, pay and how long the business may use your content.
  • 7. Have a parent or guardian review and sign (required in Louisiana for athletes under 18).
  • 8. Report the deal to your school or association by the deadline, using the required form.
  • 9. Keep copies of the contract and every payment, for college NIL Go reporting later.
  • 10. Set money aside for taxes; NIL income, including products, is taxable.

If you are not sure

Ask before you sign, not after. Your athletic director or state association can tell you whether a specific deal is allowed, and a licensed attorney can review the contract. See NIL for parents and NIL contracts.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most common high school NIL mistake?

Using the school's uniform, logo or name in a post or ad, which nearly every state bans.

Do I need to tell my school about an NIL deal?

In many states, yes, within a set number of days. Check your state's rule.

Next steps

Look up your stateHigh school rules for every state and DC.NIL Innovations for parentsStay connected to your athlete's deals.Join free as a high school athleteA profile brands can find, with a parent connected.

Sources

  1. Appendix N: Guidelines Regarding Name, Image and Likeness (2025-26) — Georgia High School Association
  2. Name, Image, Likeness (Personal Branding Activity) — Michigan High School Athletic Association
  3. Rules and Policies — College Sports Commission
  4. Topic no. 554, Self-employment tax — Internal Revenue Service

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.

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