NIL rules by state
Washington NIL rules for college and high school athletes
Washington college athletes can earn NIL money under NCAA and College Sports Commission rules and their school's policy; we found no Washington college NIL statute. Washington high school athletes can earn NIL money in their individual capacity under WIAA rule 18.24, but lose eligibility immediately if a deal relates in any way to their connection to their high school, and schools may not promote or be affiliated with any NIL deal.
The WIAA rule is checked against its handbook. Washington's lack of a college NIL statute is based on our searches; confirm with your school.
| Level | Rule | Who sets it |
|---|---|---|
| College | No state statute | NCAA and College Sports Commission rules; school policy |
| High school | Allowed with limits | Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) |
Key facts
- We found no Washington statute on college NIL.
- High school: WIAA Handbook (2026-27) rule 18.24 says NIL activity in an individual capacity does not jeopardize amateur status.
- A student immediately loses eligibility if an NIL agreement relates in any way to their connection to their high school.
- Endorsements are allowed with no affiliation with the school team, school, WIAA district or WIAA.
- No school uniform and no school, district or WIAA marks or logos; member schools may not promote or be affiliated with any NIL deal.
- Separately, performance-based merchandise or gifts over $500 in fair market value per sport per year still cost amateur standing.
On this page
Washington college NIL
We found no Washington statute on college NIL. Since the NCAA's interim policy took effect on July 1, 2021, athletes at schools in states without an NIL law may take part in NIL activity without breaking NCAA NIL rules, and each school sets its own NIL policy.
Division I athletes also report third-party deals of $600 or more to NIL Go within five business days.
Washington high school NIL (WIAA 18.24)
The WIAA's Amateur Standing Rules say they do not stop students from commercial activities in their individual capacities, generally called NIL, as long as they follow the rules. Under rule 18.24.1 of the 2026-27 Handbook:
- A student immediately loses eligibility if they, a family member or anyone acting for them enters an NIL agreement that in any way relates to the student's connection to their high school.
- Commercial endorsements are allowed with no affiliation with the school team, school, WIAA district or WIAA.
- The student may not appear in the school's uniform or use the marks or logos of the school, district or WIAA.
- A member school may not promote or have any affiliation with any NIL deal.
Separately, a student may not accept merchandise or in-kind gifts worth more than $500 per sport, per year, based on athletic performance.
Frequently asked questions
Can Washington high school athletes get NIL deals?
Yes, in their individual capacity under WIAA rule 18.24, with no connection to their high school, no school or WIAA marks and no school involvement.
Next steps
Sources
- WIAA 2026-27 Handbook (rule 18.24) — Washington Interscholastic Activities Association
- NCAA adopts interim name, image and likeness policy — NCAA
- 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.