The landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreements for high school and college athletes is shifting fast in Louisiana. The Louisiana NIL Task Force just met to float some amendments, hoping to make sure young athletes get fair pay while still protecting their financial futures.
They’re taking a page from the Coogan Act—a law that shielded child actors’ earnings back in the day. The idea is to set up a more structured way to manage NIL money for high schoolers. It’s not just about Louisiana, either; if these changes go through, other states might start paying attention.
The Louisiana NIL Task Force’s Mission
The main goal of the Louisiana NIL Task Force is to build a solid framework. They’re pulling together athletic directors, NIL experts, lawmakers, and student athletes from all over the state.
This group is digging into possible laws to govern NIL deals, aiming for a sweet spot where athletes get compensated fairly but aren’t left financially vulnerable.
Proposed Changes to NIL Agreements
One standout proposal? Athletes would have to put 15% of their NIL money into a trust account. That way, they’ve got something waiting for them when they’re adults.
There are exceptions—if the athlete is 18 or already in college, the rule wouldn’t apply. Task Force Member Jolee Liles admits this could get complicated, especially for kids pulling in smaller amounts, but she thinks it’s worth it to keep their interests safe.
Historical Context: The Coogan Act
This whole approach owes a lot to the Coogan Act, named after Jackie Coogan, a child actor from the early 1900s. Coogan made a fortune acting with Charlie Chaplin in *The Kid* back in 1921.
But when he turned 21, he found out his mom and stepdad had blown almost all his money. He sued, but only got $126,000 back. That mess led to the Coogan Act, which made it law to stash some of a child actor’s earnings in a trust account.
Louisiana’s Version of the Coogan Act
Louisiana actually already has a similar law for kids doing creative work. If a contract is worth $500 or more, 15% of those earnings have to go into a trust.
Now, the task force wants to bring that same kind of protection to high school athletes with NIL deals. It’s about leveling the playing field a bit.
Challenges and Considerations
Of course, none of this is simple. One big headache is that high school athletes can earn wildly different amounts.
For some, setting up a trust for a small payout just doesn’t make sense. The task force knows this and is trying to figure out a flexible system that works for everyone.
Balancing Act
They’ve got to walk a fine line—protecting young athletes without making things too complicated or expensive for them. The group is tossing around different ideas and exceptions.
Maybe athletes below a certain earnings threshold wouldn’t have to set up a trust at all. Nothing’s set in stone yet, but they’re working on it.
Potential Impact on High School Athletes
If these changes go through, they could really change the game for high school athletes in Louisiana. Having part of their earnings locked away means a safety net when they’re older.
That could help a lot, especially for kids who don’t go pro—maybe it helps with college or just gives them a little cushion as adults.
Setting a Precedent
Louisiana’s not waiting around for someone else to act. With NIL deals popping up all over the country, the need for guardrails is only going to get bigger.
If Louisiana gets this right, there’s a good chance other states will follow their lead. It’s an interesting moment—maybe even the start of a new standard for how NIL money gets handled.
Conclusion
Louisiana’s proposed changes to high school NIL laws are stirring up conversation. The focus is on making sure young athletes actually benefit and get some protection for their financial futures.
They’re borrowing ideas from the old Coogan Act, but giving it a modern twist to fit today’s NIL agreements. The Louisiana NIL Task Force is clearly trying to build something that’s both fair and secure—at least that’s the hope.
Curious about the details or the backstory? You can check out the full article on WBRZ.
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