NIL rules by state
Missouri NIL rules for college and high school athletes
Missouri college athletes can earn NIL money under the state's NIL law (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 173.280), last amended by HB 417 in 2023, which also bars enforcement of NCAA and conference NIL rules that infringe on athletes' state-law rights. Missouri high school athletes may earn NIL money only in narrow cases: MSHSAA By-Law 3.6 allows it after signing a national letter of intent, and a 2023 state law covers prospects who have signed with a Missouri college.
We could not read the current MSHSAA handbook or the codified statute; this page relies on news, school and law-firm sources.
| Level | Rule | Who sets it |
|---|---|---|
| College | Yes: Mo. Rev. Stat. § 173.280 | HB 297 (2021), SB 718 (2022), HB 417 (2023) |
| High school | Allowed with limits | Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) |
Key facts
- College law: Mo. Rev. Stat. § 173.280 (HB 297, 2021; SB 718, 2022; HB 417, effective August 28, 2023).
- HB 417 lets prospects who have signed a national letter of intent with a Missouri college earn NIL compensation.
- HB 417 also makes it unlawful to enforce NCAA or conference NIL rules that infringe on the rights in the state law.
- High school: MSHSAA By-Law 3.6 was amended on the 2023 ballot, effective July 1, 2023.
- Under By-Law 3.6, high school athletes may profit from NIL only after signing a national letter of intent; trackers also report a short list of allowed activities, such as limited merchandise sales.
- Mizzou's compliance office has noted state-law limits on university employees directing NIL compensation; ask your school how they apply after the House settlement.
On this page
Missouri NIL law for college athletes
Missouri's college NIL law, Mo. Rev. Stat. § 173.280, was enacted in 2021 (HB 297) and amended in 2022 (SB 718) and 2023 (HB 417, effective August 28, 2023). The 2023 amendment:
- Lets prospective athletes who have signed a national letter of intent with a Missouri college earn NIL compensation.
- Makes it unlawful to enforce NCAA or athletic conference NIL rules that infringe on the rights the state law gives athletes.
The University of Missouri's compliance page notes state-law limits on university employees compensating, or directing compensation to, athletes and prospects for NIL. How those limits interact with House settlement revenue sharing is a question for the school's compliance office.
Division I athletes also report third-party deals of $600 or more to NIL Go within five business days.
Missouri high school NIL (MSHSAA By-Law 3.6)
The MSHSAA amended its amateurism bylaw, By-Law 3.6, on the 2023 annual ballot, effective July 1, 2023, to allow high school athletes to profit from their NIL only after signing a national letter of intent. A 2023 state law (HB 417) separately covers prospects who have signed with a Missouri college.
NIL trackers also describe a short list of activities the MSHSAA allows for all students, such as limited merchandise sales, but we could not read the current handbook text. Check with the MSHSAA and your athletic director before accepting any payment.
Frequently asked questions
Can Missouri high school athletes get NIL deals?
Only in narrow cases: MSHSAA By-Law 3.6 allows NIL after a student signs a national letter of intent, and a 2023 state law covers prospects who have signed with a Missouri college.
What is Missouri's college NIL law?
Mo. Rev. Stat. § 173.280, last amended by HB 417 (2023), which also bars enforcing NCAA or conference NIL rules that infringe on the state law.
Next steps
Sources
- New Missouri NIL amendment set to change student-athlete landscape — KOMU
- Name, Image, and Likeness Information — University of Missouri Athletics
- MSHSAA approves NIL benefits for high school athletes that meet requirements — Ozarks Sports Zone
- Nationwide Name, Image, and Likeness Tracker (August 2024) — Foley & Lardner
- 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.