In a landmark decision that could shake up high school athletics in Ohio, a Columbus judge has temporarily lifted the ban on high school athletes earning money through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals.
This stems from a lawsuit filed by the family of Dayton-area receiver Jamier Brown, opening the door for high school athletes to start making money from their personal brands—without losing their amateur status.
The ruling grants a temporary restraining order against the Ohio High School Athletic Association’s (OHSAA) eligibility rules, which had previously blocked such endorsements.
This order will last about 45 days, until another hearing is scheduled to consider a preliminary injunction.
The Court’s Ruling and Its Immediate Impact
Franklin County Judge Jaiza Page’s decision is a big step toward bringing Ohio in line with more than 40 other states and Washington, D.C., where high school athletes can already sign NIL deals.
The judge pointed out that the ruling would expand opportunities for students across Ohio, so for now, the OHSAA can’t enforce its NIL rule.
Why This Ruling Matters
This is especially meaningful for athletes like Jamier Brown, who already had some pretty tempting endorsement offers on the table—over $100,000, according to the lawsuit.
It’s not just about Brown, though; this could set a new standard for other high school athletes in Ohio hoping to profit from their talents.
Background: The Road to the Ruling
The OHSAA previously voted against allowing NIL deals back in 2022, with a vote of 538-254.
They’ve argued that endorsements could threaten the amateur status of high school athletes, but Brown’s family pushed back, saying the current NIL rule violates free speech, state antitrust laws, and equal protection.
Notable Cases and Precedents
Take New Albany golfer Mia Hammond, for example—she signed with Sterling Sports Management in 2024, making her ineligible to play for her high school team.
Cases like hers show the tough choices athletes have faced under the old rules, which makes Judge Page’s decision all the more significant.
The Legal Arguments: Free Speech and Antitrust Laws
The lawsuit leans on several legal points.
First, it claims that banning NIL deals steps on the athletes’ right to free speech. Second, it argues the rule goes against Ohio’s antitrust laws, which are supposed to encourage fair competition. And finally, it says the rule violates equal protection by treating Ohio athletes differently than their peers elsewhere.
Implications for Ohio High School Athletes
Now, Ohio high school athletes can explore endorsement deals without worrying about losing their eligibility.
This could really change the way young athletes manage their careers, giving them financial opportunities that just weren’t there before.
OHSAA’s Response and Next Steps
The OHSAA has acknowledged the judge’s ruling and is working on how to communicate with member schools and the public.
They’re expected to share more soon, probably including some guidance for schools on how to handle this new situation.
Future Hearings and Potential Outcomes
The temporary restraining order is set for about 45 days, after which another hearing will decide on a preliminary injunction.
Depending on that outcome, the temporary ruling could become permanent, or the old NIL restrictions might come back. Either way, this is a key moment for athletes and families to figure out how to make the most of the new opportunities.
Conclusion: A New Era for High School Sports in Ohio
Judge Jaiza Page’s ruling is a big deal for high school sports in Ohio. By temporarily lifting the ban on NIL deals, the court has cracked open a door for young athletes to actually get something back for their hard work—without losing their amateur status.
Now, Ohio joins the crowd of states already letting high school athletes pursue NIL opportunities. It’ll be interesting to see how the OHSAA and everyone else involved respond to this shift. Change is here, whether folks are ready or not.
Curious for more details? You can check out the full article on NBC4’s website.
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