NIL rules by state
West Virginia NIL rules for college and high school athletes
West Virginia college athletes can earn NIL money under the NIL Protection Act (HB 2576), effective from passage on April 10, 2025, alongside HB 2595, which lets colleges set up nonprofit entities to manage revenue sharing and NIL. West Virginia high school and middle school athletes have been allowed to earn NIL money since August 8, 2025, under a WVSSAC policy approved by the state school board, as long as they benefit only from who they are, not from their school or their athletic fame.
We could not read the WVSSAC rule text directly; this page relies on the commission's public comments and news coverage.
| Level | Rule | Who sets it |
|---|---|---|
| College | Yes: NIL Protection Act (HB 2576, 2025) | HB 2576 and HB 2595 (2025) |
| High school | Allowed with limits | West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (WVSSAC) |
Key facts
- College law: HB 2576, the NIL Protection Act, effective from passage April 10, 2025; it bars athletic associations from penalizing athletes for NIL activity.
- HB 2595 (2025) authorizes colleges to create nonprofit entities to manage revenue sharing and NIL opportunities.
- High school and middle school: WVSSAC NIL policy effective August 8, 2025, approved by the state Board of Education in July 2025.
- Students may not reference the WVSSAC or their school, use the school logo or mascot, or promote their sport or athletic skill.
- School employees, including coaches, may not be involved, and NIL tied to a transfer can be undue influence.
- The WVSSAC called the policy "somewhat fluid" and planned a review after the 2025-26 season.
On this page
West Virginia NIL law for college athletes
West Virginia passed two NIL bills in 2025. HB 2576, the NIL Protection Act, effective from passage on April 10, 2025, sets a legal framework for NIL and bars athletic associations from penalizing athletes for NIL activity. HB 2595 authorizes colleges to establish nonprofit entities to manage revenue-sharing and NIL opportunities for athletes. Gov. Patrick Morrisey held a ceremonial signing for both on September 11, 2025.
Division I athletes also report third-party deals of $600 or more to NIL Go within five business days.
West Virginia high school NIL (WVSSAC)
The WVSSAC's NIL policy took effect August 8, 2025, after the state Board of Education approved it in July 2025. It covers both high school and middle school athletes. As the WVSSAC's executive director described it, students "can only receive benefits through who they are":
- No reference to the WVSSAC or the student's school, and no use of the school logo or mascot.
- No promoting their sport or athletic skill, and no presenting their fame as athletic fame.
- No NIL promotion during team activities, and no involvement by school employees, including coaches.
- A deal tied to a transfer can be undue influence and put eligibility at risk.
Trackers also report bans on boosters, collectives and alumni using NIL to entice athletes, and on adult entertainment, alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, gambling and weapons. The WVSSAC said the policy would be reviewed after the 2025-26 season.
Frequently asked questions
Can West Virginia high school athletes get NIL deals?
Yes, since August 8, 2025, under the WVSSAC policy, as long as the deal is about who they are, not their school, sport or athletic skill, and school staff are not involved.
Does the West Virginia policy cover middle school athletes?
Yes. The WVSSAC policy applies to both high school and middle school athletes.
Next steps
Sources
- Ryan outlines what is, is not permissible as NIL comes into play for youth athletes — WV MetroNews
- Governor Patrick Morrisey celebrates NIL legislation supporting West Virginia student-athletes — Office of the Governor of West Virginia
- House Education hears about NIL and Non-Profit Athletics Acts — West Virginia Legislature
- High School NIL Tracker — Business of College 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.