NIL rules by state
New Mexico NIL rules for college and high school athletes
New Mexico college athletes can earn NIL money under the Student Athlete Endorsement Act (SB 94), effective July 1, 2021, which SB 219 amended in 2023 to remove several restrictions. New Mexico high school athletes have been allowed to earn NIL money since the NMAA amended its bylaws on June 1, 2023, as long as there is no school, school team, section or NMAA affiliation.
We could not read the current NMAA bylaw or confirm SB 219's enacted text.
| Level | Rule | Who sets it |
|---|---|---|
| College | Yes: Student Athlete Endorsement Act | SB 94 (2021); SB 219 (2023) |
| High school | Allowed with limits | New Mexico Activities Association (NMAA) |
Key facts
- College law: Student Athlete Endorsement Act, SB 94, effective July 1, 2021.
- SB 219 (2023) removed several restrictions on athletes and schools; one tracker lists it effective April 4, 2023.
- Colleges may not stop athletes from earning NIL compensation or deny scholarships because of it.
- High school: NMAA bylaws amended June 1, 2023 (Section VI, 6.18).
- Endorsements are allowed with no school, school team, section or NMAA affiliation.
- No school uniforms or NMAA or school marks in endorsements.
On this page
New Mexico NIL law for college athletes
New Mexico's Student Athlete Endorsement Act (SB 94), passed in March 2021 and effective July 1, 2021, permits athletes at New Mexico colleges to earn compensation from their name, image or likeness and bars schools from preventing it or denying scholarships because of it.
SB 219 (2023) amended the act to remove several prohibitions on athletes and schools, according to the Legislative Education Study Committee. A provision on footwear was dropped at the University of New Mexico's request.
Division I athletes also report third-party deals of $600 or more to NIL Go within five business days.
New Mexico high school NIL (NMAA)
The NMAA Board of Directors amended its bylaws on June 1, 2023 to let high school students use their NIL for commercial endorsements, provided there is no school, school team, section or NMAA affiliation (Section VI, subsection 6.18).
- No school uniforms, and no school or NMAA marks in endorsements.
Ask your athletic director for the current NMAA handbook text.
Frequently asked questions
Can New Mexico high school athletes get NIL deals?
Yes, since June 1, 2023, for endorsements with no school, team, section or NMAA affiliation.
Next steps
Sources
- SB 219 (2023), Legislative Education Study Committee analysis — New Mexico Legislature
- SB 94 (2021), fiscal impact report — New Mexico Legislature
- High School Status: New Mexico — Eccker Sports
- 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.