NIL rules by state
Ohio NIL rules for college and high school athletes
Ohio college athletes can earn NIL money under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3376, enacted in 2021 and last amended in 2025. Ohio high school athletes have been allowed to earn NIL money since November 2025, when OHSAA member schools approved a new bylaw; each deal must be reported to the OHSAA within 14 days, with a notarized affirmation from the student and a parent.
HB 661 would ban high school NIL in Ohio. We could not confirm its current status on the Ohio Legislature's site.
| Level | Rule | Who sets it |
|---|---|---|
| College | Yes: Ohio Rev. Code ch. 3376 | Ohio Rev. Code ch. 3376 (HB 110, 2021; HB 315, 2025) |
| High school | Allowed with limits | Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) |
Key facts
- College law: Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3376 (enacted by HB 110, effective September 30, 2021; Section 3376.04 amended by HB 315, effective April 3, 2025).
- Ohio colleges, conferences and athletic associations may not stop athletes from earning NIL compensation or getting an agent or attorney.
- High school NIL passed an OHSAA emergency referendum in November 2025, 447 to 121 with 247 abstaining, and took effect immediately.
- Report each high school NIL agreement to the OHSAA within 14 days of signing; the student and a parent sign a notarized affirmation.
- NIL may not be used to recruit students; violations bring penalties under OHSAA Bylaw 11, up to review of a school's membership.
- HB 661 (introduced January 29, 2026) would ban NIL payments to middle and high school athletes; as of our last check it was in the House Education Committee.
On this page
Ohio NIL law for college athletes
Ohio's college NIL law is Chapter 3376 of the Ohio Revised Code, enacted in the state budget bill (HB 110) and effective September 30, 2021. Section 3376.04, as amended by HB 315 effective April 3, 2025, says Ohio public and private colleges, athletic associations and conferences may not:
- Prevent an athlete from earning compensation for use of their name, image or likeness, if it is earned in line with Chapter 3376.
- Prevent an athlete from getting professional representation from an athlete agent or attorney, or punish them for doing so.
- Enter into, renew or change an agreement that stops an athlete from earning NIL compensation during activities unrelated to academics, the athletic department or official team activities.
Division I athletes in Ohio also report third-party deals of $600 or more to NIL Go.
Ohio high school NIL (OHSAA Bylaw 4-11)
Ohio high school athletes may now be paid for appearances, licensing, social media content, endorsements and other personal branding. OHSAA member schools voted down an NIL proposal in May 2022, 538 to 254. After a lawsuit filed in October 2025 by the family of a high school football player, the OHSAA board put NIL to an emergency referendum, which passed in November 2025 and took effect immediately.
The rules:
- After signing, the student and family have 14 days to report the agreement to the OHSAA through its platform.
- The student and a parent complete an affirmation page and have it notarized.
- An agreement may not require the student to break any provision of Bylaw 4-11-2.
- NIL does not allow pay for playing: students still may not be paid to play the sport in which they compete as amateurs. Awards rules (Bylaw 5) are unchanged, with awards capped at $500 per event and no cash.
- Any attempt to use an NIL deal to secure a prospective student's enrollment brings penalties under Bylaw 11, including review of the school's membership, and the OHSAA can suspend participation while a violation is investigated.
- The OHSAA encourages students to get professional advice before signing.
Pending legislation
House Bill 661, introduced January 29, 2026, would bar middle and high school athletes from receiving NIL compensation or any payment tied to their roster spot. As of our last check it was in the House Education Committee. If it becomes law, it would override the OHSAA bylaw.
Frequently asked questions
Can Ohio high school athletes get NIL deals?
Yes, since November 2025. Report each deal to the OHSAA within 14 days with a notarized affirmation, and never use NIL in recruiting. A pending bill, HB 661, would reverse this if it becomes law.
When did Ohio allow high school NIL?
In November 2025, when OHSAA member schools approved an emergency referendum 447 to 121. It took effect immediately.
What is Ohio's college NIL law?
Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3376, which bars Ohio colleges, conferences and associations from stopping athletes from earning NIL money or hiring an agent or attorney.
Next steps
Sources
- Ohio Revised Code § 3376.04 — State of Ohio
- NIL Resource Center — Ohio High School Athletic Association
- Ohio high schools vote to allow student-athletes to strike NIL deals — WYSU
- OHSAA votes to allow Ohio high school athletes to make money on NIL — 13abc
- Ohio lawmakers introduce HB 661 — Spectrum News 1
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.