Ohio High School Athletes Now Eligible for NIL Endorsement Deals

BOOK AWAY GAME TRAVEL NOW!
Flights | Hotels | Vacation Rentals | Rental Cars | Experiences

On November 24, 2025, the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) made a move that’s bound to shake up high school sports in the state. OHSAA announced that its member schools had overwhelmingly voted for an emergency bylaw letting student-athletes negotiate endorsements for their name, image, and likeness (NIL).

This puts Ohio in line with 45 other places that already allow high school athletes to explore NIL opportunities. Suddenly, a whole new world of possibilities is opening up for young sports stars here.

Table of Contents

The Evolution of NIL in High School Sports

The push for high school athletes to profit from their NIL goes back to a pivotal 2015 ruling. That decision said it was an antitrust violation for the NCAA to block student-athletes from landing NIL deals.

States started passing their own NIL laws after that, with the first wave coming in 2019, and some rules kicking in by 2022. The momentum just kept rolling, and now Ohio has joined the crowd of states letting high schoolers get in on NIL action.

Why Ohio’s Decision is Significant

Ohio’s move is especially interesting given the state’s deep love for sports and its passionate fans. The decision was pushed along by a temporary restraining order (TRO) from a Franklin County judge, sparked by a lawsuit against the OHSAA.

The case, brought by a high school football player, argued that banning NIL deals went against Ohio antitrust laws and violated rights to free speech and equal protection.

Understanding the New NIL Rules

There are rules meant to keep things fair and make sure student-athletes stay amateurs. Here are some of the key points:

Disclosure Requirements: Athletes have to tell the OHSAA about every NIL agreement within 14 days. If they don’t, they could lose eligibility for 20% of their season.
Prohibited Endorsements: NIL deals can’t involve gaming, gambling, alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, banned substances, adult entertainment, or weapons.
School Gear and Logos: Students can’t use their school’s gear or logo in any NIL promotion.
Academic Priorities: They can’t skip class or use school time for NIL work.
Event Restrictions: No endorsements during games or while traveling to or from events.

Potential Impact on High School Sports

Most Ohio high school athletes probably won’t land huge NIL deals, but the new rules give standout players a shot at cashing in. Imagine a top swimmer getting their name on a swimsuit, or a basketball star endorsing something local.

These deals might not bring in NCAA-level money, but they do give young athletes a taste of personal branding and a chance to earn a little extra.

Challenges and Considerations

Bringing NIL deals to high school isn’t simple. Most athletes are minors, so there are extra layers of responsibility and, honestly, a lot to figure out.

Parents, coaches, and school staff will have to tread carefully to keep the focus on learning and athletic growth.

Ensuring Compliance and Fair Play

The OHSAA has set up rules to keep NIL activities in check and protect the integrity of high school sports. These include:

Requiring athletes to report NIL agreements to the OHSAA.
Banning endorsements from certain industries.
Making sure NIL work doesn’t get in the way of academics.

The Future of NIL in High School Sports

With more states rolling out NIL policies, high school sports are changing fast. National showcases and online streaming are making it easier than ever for young athletes to get noticed—and market themselves.

It’s just another sign of America’s endless appetite for sports and the growing recognition of what these student-athletes bring to the field.

Opportunities Beyond the Field

For high school athletes, NIL deals aren’t just about cashing in. They’re a chance to pick up real-world skills in marketing, business, and personal branding.

Those skills stick around even after the final whistle blows. They can even give a boost to college applications or open doors for future jobs.

For more detailed information on Ohio’s NIL decision and its implications, you can read the full article on FindLaw’s Legally Weird blog here.

Joe Hughes is the founder of CollegeNetWorth.com, a comprehensive resource on college athletes' earnings potential in the NIL era. Combining his passion for sports with expertise in collegiate athletics, Joe provides valuable insights for athletes, fans, and institutions navigating this new landscape.

Additional Reading: