Big changes might be on the horizon for high school sports in Ohio. A new lawsuit filed in Franklin County is taking aim at the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA).
The suit wants to force an emergency referendum among OHSAA member schools. The goal? To push for a bylaw that would let high school athletes get paid for their name, image, and likeness—what everyone’s now calling NIL.
This isn’t just about Ohio. NIL rights have exploded across the country, especially after colleges opened the door. Right now, OHSAA is one of just six state associations that still say no to NIL deals for high schoolers.
Depending on how this lawsuit shakes out, it could totally change how student-athletes in Ohio can make money off their personal brands.
The Lawsuit and Its Implications
This lawsuit, filed Thursday, is all about speeding up a vote on a new NIL bylaw. If schools say yes, they’d get a real say in shaping the rules—and Ohio might finally catch up to the states already letting high schoolers cash in.
Current State of NIL at the High School Level
Since colleges started allowing NIL deals, high school associations in many states have followed suit. OHSAA, though, has stayed on the sidelines.
This legal push could finally move the needle, putting Ohio alongside states where high school athletes can actually profit from their talents.
OHSAA’s Preparedness and Response
Doug Ute, the OHSAA’s Executive Director, says they’ve been keeping a close eye on all this. They’ve even been prepping for a possible fast-tracked vote.
The Board of Directors already signed off on the NIL language for the usual May ballot, but the lawsuit could bump that up. Ute says OHSAA is ready to work with its schools, no matter the timing.
What the Proposed Bylaw Entails
So, what’s actually in this bylaw? If it passes, student-athletes could sign NIL deals for things like:
- Appearances
- Licensing
- Social media endorsements
- Branding based on athletic fame or notoriety
It’s not a free-for-all, though. The proposal spells out guardrails to keep students from losing their amateur status under OHSAA rules. That’s supposed to protect the spirit of high school sports, even as athletes start building their own brands.
Historical Context and Previous Vote
Back in 2022, OHSAA member schools shot down the first NIL proposal—pretty decisively, too, with a 538 to 254 vote. That history isn’t easy to ignore. There’s been real hesitation around NIL at the high school level.
But things have moved fast in other states, and this lawsuit is definitely turning up the pressure. Maybe this time, the outcome will be different.
Potential Impact on High School Sports
If the bylaw goes through, it could totally shake up high school sports here. Athletes would finally have a shot at making money from their own names and images. That could mean more attention, more opportunities—maybe even more fans in the stands.
For athletes with big social followings, it’s not hard to imagine even more media coverage and buzz around their games.
Next Steps and Timeline
Normally, the referendum vote happens May 1 through May 15, with each OHSAA member school getting a say. But with this lawsuit in the mix, there’s a chance for an emergency vote before then.
The Board of Directors will decide what’s on the ballot. However the vote turns out, it’s going to set the tone for NIL rights in Ohio high school sports—maybe for years to come.
Conclusion
The lawsuit against the OHSAA is a big moment in the debate over NIL rights for high school athletes. It’s hard not to wonder how this will affect high school sports in Ohio.
People are watching to see what OHSAA member schools do next. If you want to dig into the details, check out the full article on the Ashland Source website.
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