NIL rules by state
Kentucky NIL rules for college and high school athletes
Kentucky college athletes can earn NIL money under KRS 164.6941 to 164.6951, enacted in 2022 and amended in 2025. Kentucky high school athletes can earn NIL money under KHSAA Bylaw 10, as long as they do not use school trademarks, uniforms or property and are not paid for athletic ability, performance or results.
| Level | Rule | Who sets it |
|---|---|---|
| College | Yes: KRS 164.6941 to 164.6951 | KRS 164.6941-164.6951 (2022; amended 2025 Ky. Acts ch. 10) |
| High school | Allowed with limits | Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) |
Key facts
- College law: KRS 164.6941 to 164.6951, effective March 9, 2022; amended by 2025 Ky. Acts ch. 10, effective March 13, 2025.
- A Kentucky college may adopt an NIL policy, but its restrictions must be reasonable and not an undue burden on athletes' ability to earn NIL compensation.
- The statute does not make athletes employees or independent contractors of their school.
- High school: KHSAA Bylaw 10 (2025-26 Handbook) allows endorsements, social media and NIL activity at a prevailing market rate without school intellectual property or property.
- Paid camps, clinics and lessons at a prevailing market rate are allowed.
- Pay tied to specific athletic ability, performance or contest results is a violation of Bylaw 10.
On this page
Kentucky NIL law for college athletes
Kentucky's college NIL law, KRS 164.6941 to 164.6951, took effect March 9, 2022, and was amended in 2025 (2025 Ky. Acts ch. 10, effective March 13, 2025). It defines compensation broadly, to include cash, in-kind items, social media payments and licensing, and recognizes institutional agreements in which a school or its affiliated corporations pay an athlete for their NIL.
- A school's governing board may adopt an NIL policy, but any restrictions must be reasonable and not an undue burden on athletes' ability to earn NIL compensation.
- Athletes submit proposed agreements to a designated school official, who checks them for conflicts.
- The law does not make athletes employees or independent contractors, and does not change the rules of the state board of education or the high school athletic association.
Kentucky's SEC and ACC schools take part in House settlement revenue sharing, and Division I athletes report third-party deals of $600 or more to NIL Go.
Kentucky high school NIL (KHSAA Bylaw 10)
The KHSAA's amateur bylaw, Bylaw 10, which is also adopted as a state regulation, includes a section on name, image and likeness. In the 2025-26 Handbook:
- Schools may not grant an athlete the right to use school intellectual property, such as trademarks, uniforms and copyrights, for NIL.
- An athlete with eligibility remaining may not use school intellectual property or school-owned or managed property to earn NIL compensation.
- It is not a violation to be paid at a prevailing market rate for camps, clinics and instruction; for product or business endorsements that do not use the intellectual property of a school, district, region or the association; for other NIL activity that does not use school property or intellectual property; or for social media activity that does not use them.
- It is a violation to be paid for specific athletic ability, performance or contest results, actual or speculative.
Awards for competition remain limited (generally $500 in value, and never cash). Violations can bring the penalties in Bylaw 27, including a period of ineligibility.
Frequently asked questions
Can Kentucky high school athletes get NIL deals?
Yes. KHSAA Bylaw 10 allows endorsements, social media and other NIL activity at a market rate, as long as no school logos, uniforms or property are used and the pay is not tied to athletic performance.
What is Kentucky's college NIL law?
KRS 164.6941 to 164.6951, in effect since March 9, 2022 and amended in 2025. It lets schools set reasonable NIL policies and recognizes school-paid NIL agreements.
Next steps
Sources
- KHSAA 2025-26 Handbook, Bylaws (Bylaw 10) — Kentucky High School Athletic Association
- KRS 164.6941 (definitions) — Kentucky General Assembly
- 2025 Ky. Acts ch. 10 — Kentucky General Assembly
- 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.