NIL rules by state
Tennessee NIL rules for college and high school athletes
Tennessee college athletes can earn NIL money under the state's student-athlete NIL statute, which a 2025 law (SB 536/HB 194, signed May 1, 2025) expanded to allow unlimited NIL compensation unless federal law, a valid court order or an antitrust exemption limits it. Tennessee high school athletes can earn NIL money under the TSSAA's amateur rule, as amended in December 2022, as long as the activity is unrelated to athletic performance and shows no school name, logo or uniform.
We could not read the codified Tennessee statute or the TSSAA bylaw directly; this page relies on published legal analyses and news coverage of each change.
| Level | Rule | Who sets it |
|---|---|---|
| College | Yes: Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-2801 et seq. | Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-2801 et seq., as amended by SB 536/HB 194 (2025) |
| High school | Allowed with limits | Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) |
Key facts
- College law: Tennessee's student-athlete NIL statute (Tenn. Code Ann. Title 49, Chapter 7, Part 28), expanded by SB 536/HB 194, signed May 1, 2025.
- The 2025 law allows unlimited NIL compensation for Tennessee athletes unless federal law, a valid court order or an antitrust exemption says otherwise.
- It also shifts liability to the NCAA if its rules are found unlawful, and says schools need not follow NCAA rules that restrain trade affecting Tennessee.
- Earlier amendments let Tennessee schools take part in NIL as long as they do not coerce, compel or interfere with an athlete's decisions.
- High school: the TSSAA Legislative Council unanimously amended its amateur rule in December 2022, effective immediately.
- TSSAA athletes may be paid for activities unrelated to athletic performance, with no school name, logo or uniform and nothing implying the school's endorsement.
On this page
Tennessee NIL law for college athletes
Tennessee's college NIL statute began by barring schools from being involved in athletes' NIL deals. Later amendments let schools and their agents take part, as long as they do not coerce, compel or interfere with an athlete's decision to earn NIL compensation, and loosened earlier limits on collectives' role in recruiting.
On May 1, 2025, Gov. Bill Lee signed SB 536/HB 194, which went further:
- Tennessee athletes may receive unlimited NIL compensation, unless federal law, a valid court order or an antitrust exemption expressly limits it.
- Tennessee schools need not follow NCAA rules that lessen competition in trade or commerce affecting Tennessee.
- If NCAA rules are found unlawful, liability shifts to the NCAA, which must hold the state, schools and athletes harmless from NIL-related damages.
Legal commentators have noted an open question: whether the House settlement counts as a "valid court order" limiting compensation under the Tennessee statute. Tennessee's SEC schools take part in House settlement revenue sharing, and Division I athletes in Tennessee still report third-party deals of $600 or more to NIL Go.
Tennessee high school NIL (TSSAA)
In December 2022 the TSSAA Legislative Council unanimously amended the association's amateur rule (Article II, Section 18) to allow NIL, effective immediately.
- Students may be paid for activities unrelated to their athletic performance.
- The activity must not suggest that the school endorses or sponsors it.
- No image or likeness in a uniform or gear showing the name or logo of the TSSAA school the student attends or has attended.
- Deals are individual: a whole team cannot be signed under one contract.
- Students may earn money giving lessons or endorsing products, as long as no school name, logo or uniform is involved.
High school athletes generally cannot rely on their school for NIL advice the way college athletes can; families should get independent advice before signing.
Frequently asked questions
Can Tennessee high school athletes get NIL deals?
Yes, under the TSSAA's amateur rule as amended in December 2022: pay must be for activities unrelated to athletic performance, with no school name, logo or uniform and nothing implying school endorsement.
What did Tennessee's 2025 NIL law do?
SB 536/HB 194, signed May 1, 2025, allows unlimited NIL compensation for Tennessee athletes unless federal law, a valid court order or an antitrust exemption limits it, and shifts liability to the NCAA if its rules are found unlawful.
Can Tennessee colleges pay athletes directly?
Yes. Tennessee law allows schools to take part in NIL compensation, and the state's SEC schools take part in House settlement revenue sharing, subject to the settlement's cap.
Next steps
Sources
- Tennessee Governor Signs Bill Expanding Student-Athlete NIL Compensation — The National Law Review
- Tennessee amends NIL rules, allows coaches in on deals — Athletic Business
- Tennessee high school athletes now eligible to sign NIL deals — WSMV
- Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association — TSSAA
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.