NIL rules by state
North Carolina NIL rules for college and high school athletes
North Carolina college athletes earn NIL money under NCAA and College Sports Commission rules and their school's policy; the state's 2021 executive order was rescinded and no NIL statute has passed. North Carolina public high school athletes can earn NIL money since a Wake County judge struck down the State Board of Education's ban in late 2024, with each agreement approved by the school district and required NIL training.
The State Board of Education's permanent high school NIL rule and SB 563 (college) were not confirmed final as of our review.
| Level | Rule | Who sets it |
|---|---|---|
| College | No statute (executive order rescinded) | Executive Order 223 (2021), rescinded 2024; NCAA and CSC rules |
| High school | Allowed with limits | North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) and State Board of Education |
Key facts
- College: Gov. Roy Cooper's Executive Order 223 (July 2021) was rescinded in March 2024; we found no North Carolina NIL statute.
- SB 563 (2025) proposed letting UNC System schools pay athletes directly and creating a state NIL clearinghouse; we could not confirm it passed.
- High school: in 2024 the State Board of Education's temporary rule banning nearly all public high school NIL was struck down by a Wake County Superior Court judge.
- Each public high school NIL agreement now needs approval at several district levels, from the principal to the superintendent and board chair.
- Students and parents must complete required NIL training.
- In 2025-26, North Carolina reported 24 approved agreements for 21 athletes at 18 schools, with a top value of $25,000 and no violations.
On this page
North Carolina college NIL
North Carolina has no college NIL statute. Gov. Roy Cooper's Executive Order 223 (July 2021) set the original framework; it was rescinded in March 2024. A 2025 bill, SB 563, proposed letting UNC System schools pay athletes directly and creating a state NIL clearinghouse; we could not confirm it passed.
North Carolina's ACC schools take part in House settlement revenue sharing, and the University of North Carolina's policy requires every deal of $600 or more to be disclosed in NIL Go.
Division I athletes also report third-party deals of $600 or more to NIL Go within five business days.
North Carolina high school NIL
High school NIL in North Carolina has gone back and forth:
- 2023: the NCHSAA approved an NIL policy, and a 2023 state law (SB 452) gave the State Board of Education responsibility for high school NIL rules.
- June 2024: the State Board adopted a temporary rule that effectively banned public school NIL deals.
- Late 2024: a Wake County Superior Court judge found the Board had exceeded its rulemaking authority by prohibiting rather than regulating NIL, and enjoined the ban.
Today, each public high school NIL agreement must be approved at several levels of the school district, from the student's principal to the superintendent and board chair, and students must complete required courses and certifications. The Department of Public Instruction reported 24 approved agreements for 21 athletes at 18 schools in 2025-26, typically $200 to $700, with a top value of $25,000 and no violations.
Private schools in the NCISAA follow that association's own NIL policy, in place since 2024-25.
Frequently asked questions
Can North Carolina high school athletes get NIL deals?
Yes, since a late-2024 court ruling. Each public school agreement must be approved by the district, from the principal to the superintendent and board chair, and students must complete required NIL training.
Does North Carolina have a college NIL law?
No. The 2021 executive order was rescinded in 2024, and we found no NIL statute. NCAA and College Sports Commission rules apply.
Next steps
Sources
- Number of NIL deals for NC high school athletes reaches 24 — HighSchoolOT
- High school NIL now legal in North Carolina after judge signs order — HighSchoolOT
- SB 563 (2025), as filed — North Carolina 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.