NIL rules by state
Hawaii NIL rules for college and high school athletes
Hawaii college athletes can earn NIL money under NCAA and College Sports Commission rules; the Legislature passed SB 3263 in May 2026 to require the University of Hawaii to adopt NIL rules and fund an NIL endowment, but we could not confirm that it was signed. We found no Hawaii High School Athletic Association rule that allows high school NIL, so Hawaii high school athletes should assume the association's amateur rules still apply.
We could not confirm whether SB 3263 became law, and we could not find an HHSAA NIL rule. Check both before relying on this page.
| Level | Rule | Who sets it |
|---|---|---|
| College | Pending: SB 3263 (2026) | SB 3263 (2026 session) |
| High school | Unverified | Hawaii High School Athletic Association (HHSAA) |
Key facts
- Hawaii has had no college NIL statute; NCAA and College Sports Commission rules apply.
- SB 3263 (2026) passed the Legislature in May 2026; it would affirm athletes' NIL rights, require UH to adopt NIL policies, require independent advisors and sunset June 30, 2030.
- Reporting described $2.5 million in state general funds for an NIL endowment, alongside university and donor money; a separate funding compromise failed.
- We could not confirm whether SB 3263 became law.
- We found no HHSAA rule allowing high school NIL; a 2024 bill (SB 2616) to allow it did not advance past referral.
- UH announced in June 2026 that five donors committed a combined $1 million a year for five years to support NIL.
Hawaii college NIL
Hawaii has not had a college NIL statute, so University of Hawaii and other Hawaii college athletes earn NIL money under NCAA and College Sports Commission rules and school policy. Division I athletes report third-party deals of $600 or more to NIL Go.
In May 2026 the Legislature passed SB 3263. As described in its conference committee report and news coverage, it would:
- Affirm student-athletes' right to earn NIL compensation.
- Require the University of Hawaii to adopt NIL policies consistent with federal law, governing-body rules and Title IX.
- Require independent advisors for athletes.
- Create an NIL endowment, with $2.5 million in state general funds reported alongside university and donor money.
- Sunset on June 30, 2030.
We could not confirm whether the governor signed it. A related bill, SB 3261, would require anyone giving NIL representation in Hawaii to register as an athlete agent.
Hawaii high school NIL (HHSAA)
We could not find any HHSAA rule that allows high school athletes to earn NIL money. Earlier reviews of the HHSAA's rules found that its amateur provisions bar competing for money and do not address NIL specifically. A 2024 bill, SB 2616, would have allowed public and private high school athletes to earn NIL compensation, but it did not advance past referral.
Until the HHSAA says otherwise, Hawaii high school athletes should not accept NIL payments without first checking with their athletic director and the HHSAA.
Frequently asked questions
Can Hawaii high school athletes get NIL deals?
We found no HHSAA rule allowing it. Check with your athletic director and the HHSAA before accepting any payment.
Does Hawaii have a college NIL law?
Not as of our last confirmed check. SB 3263 passed the Legislature in May 2026 to set a University of Hawaii NIL framework; we could not confirm it became law.
Next steps
Sources
- Bill to help UH recruit student-athletes set to become law — Hawaii Public Radio
- SB3263 CD1, Conference Committee Report No. 240-26 — Hawaii State Legislature
- SB3263 CD1, bill text — Hawaii State Legislature
- Hawaii High School Athletic Association — HHSAA
- Student-Athlete NIL Deals — College Sports Commission
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.