NIL rules by state
Montana NIL rules for college and high school athletes
Montana college athletes can earn NIL money under SB 248, the state NIL law effective June 1, 2023. Montana high school athletes can earn NIL money under MHSA By-laws 16.1 and 16.2, as long as they use no school or MHSA uniforms, gear, facilities or game film, do no NIL during the school day or team activities, take nothing from the school, boosters or a collective, and avoid banned categories.
The MHSA rule is checked against its handbook; the college law summary relies on a law-firm tracker.
| Level | Rule | Who sets it |
|---|---|---|
| College | Yes: SB 248 (2023) | SB 248 (2023) |
| High school | Allowed with limits | Montana High School Association (MHSA) |
Key facts
- College law: SB 248, effective June 1, 2023.
- High school: MHSA 2026-27 Handbook, By-laws 16.1(d) and 16.2.
- No image of the student in MHSA or school uniforms or gear, and no school facilities, intellectual property, equipment or practice and game film.
- No NIL promotion during the school day or any team activity, and no sponsor logos when following team dress requirements.
- No pay from the school, its agents (booster clubs, foundations, employees) or a collective as an inducement to attend or take part.
- Banned: alcohol, tobacco, nicotine and vaping; controlled substances including cannabis; anything unlawful for school-aged students; and gambling of any kind, including sports betting and lotteries.
On this page
Montana NIL law for college athletes
Montana's college NIL law, SB 248, took effect June 1, 2023. It protects athletes' right to earn NIL compensation at Montana colleges, which also set their own policies.
Division I athletes also report third-party deals of $600 or more to NIL Go within five business days.
Montana high school NIL (MHSA By-law 16)
MHSA By-law 16.1(d) says a student forfeits amateur status by permitting the use of their name, image or likeness "as an athlete" to promote a commercial event or product, except as By-law 16.2 allows. Under By-law 16.2, students may take part in NIL activity subject to these limits:
- No image or likeness in a uniform or other clothing or gear provided by the MHSA or a school the student attends or attended.
- No use of MHSA or school facilities, patents, products, copyrights or equipment, and no practice or game film.
- No promoting any person, business or product during the school day or any team activity, and no sponsor logos or marks when following team uniform or dress requirements.
- No compensation from the school, an agent of the school (such as a booster club, foundation or employee), a collective, or anyone affiliated with the school trying to induce the student to attend or take part.
- No promoting alcohol, tobacco, nicotine or vaping; controlled substances (including cannabis) or paraphernalia; anything unlawful for school-aged students; or gambling of any kind, including sports betting and lotteries.
The MHSA will answer questions but will not review contracts or give binding opinions, and urges families to talk with college associations and their own lawyers. A student who loses amateur status can be reinstated after one calendar year. Recruiting (undue influence) remains prohibited under Section 17.
Frequently asked questions
Can Montana high school athletes get NIL deals?
Yes, under MHSA By-law 16.2: no school uniforms, gear, facilities or film, nothing during the school day or team activities, no school, booster or collective money and no banned categories.
Next steps
Sources
- MHSA 2026-27 Handbook (By-laws 16.1 and 16.2) — Montana High School Association
- 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.