Ohio high school principals are gearing up for a vote that could shake up the world of high school sports. Next month, they’ll decide on an emergency bylaw referendum about Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rules.
This comes after Franklin County Common Pleas Court Judge Jaiza Page issued a temporary restraining order. Right now, that order lets Ohio high school athletes sign NIL deals.
The vote is set for November 17-21. It’s a big moment for the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) and its 818 member schools.
If the bylaw passes, Ohio could join other states that already let high school athletes make money from their personal brands.
The Background of NIL in High School Sports
For years, Ohio was one of just six states—alongside Alabama, Indiana, Michigan, Mississippi, and Wyoming—that didn’t let high school athletes get paid for their name, image, or likeness.
That position stands out, especially since college athletes can now cash in on NIL deals.
The 2022 Vote and Its Aftermath
Back in 2022, OHSAA members voted 538-254 against an NIL proposal. Concerns about fairness and the integrity of high school sports weighed heavily on that decision.
But things started to change when Jasmine Brown, mom of standout wide receiver Jamier Brown, filed a lawsuit on October 15, 2025. She argued that the rules were unfair to student-athletes who could really use the chance to benefit from NIL deals.
The Legal Battle and Its Implications
Jasmine Brown’s lawsuit, filed in Franklin County, zeroed in on the opportunities her son missed out on because of the rules. Jamier, a junior at Wayne High School and a top recruit for the class of 2027, is already committed to Ohio State.
The lawsuit claims Jamier lost out on more than $100,000 in NIL deals. That’s a lot of money that could’ve helped his family and supported his athletic growth.
The Temporary Restraining Order
On October 23, 2025, Judge Page issued a temporary restraining order. Now, all students in OHSAA schools can enter NIL deals—at least for now.
This sped up the OHSAA’s timeline for voting on a new proposal, which was originally planned for May. There’s also a preliminary injunction hearing coming up on December 15 that could change things again.
The Proposed NIL Bylaw
The OHSAA Board of Directors has put together a new NIL proposal. They’re trying to strike a balance—letting athletes benefit while keeping things fair.
The bylaw would allow student-athletes to sign NIL agreements, but with some rules and reporting requirements to make sure eligibility isn’t put at risk.
Key Features of the Proposed Bylaw
- Reporting Procedures: Athletes would need to report any NIL agreements to their schools and the OHSAA.
- Limitations: The bylaw would set boundaries to keep NIL deals from messing with the integrity of high school sports.
- Eligibility Protection: There’d be safeguards so athletes wouldn’t lose eligibility because of NIL deals.
The Role of Legal Representation
Luke Fedlam, an attorney with Amundsen Davis in Columbus, represents Jamier Brown. He’s been pretty outspoken about why high school NIL rules need to protect athletes.
Fedlam points out that high school NIL is a different beast from college NIL. At the high school level, it’s less about recruiting and more about keeping competition fair and athletes eligible.
Guardrails for High School NIL
Most states with high school NIL rules don’t let collectives influence transfers or eligibility. Ohio’s proposed bylaw aims for similar guardrails to keep things in check.
The Potential Impact on Ohio High School Athletes
If the new NIL bylaw passes, it could open doors for Ohio athletes. For some, NIL deals might mean real financial help for their families or their futures.
It could also make Ohio a more appealing spot for top high school talent, putting the state in line with the national trend toward NIL acceptance.
Voices from the Community
Jamier Brown’s situation has really shined a light on what NIL restrictions mean for student-athletes. On X, Jamier shared that he wants to use his name, image, and likeness to help his family and invest in his future.
His story hits home for a lot of athletes facing the same hurdles—and maybe, soon, the same opportunities.
Conclusion
The upcoming vote on the NIL bylaw in Ohio could be a turning point for high school sports in the state. OHSAA members are getting ready to cast their votes, and there’s a lot at stake.
Athletes like Jamier Brown and advocates such as Luke Fedlam have made their voices heard. Their perspectives might end up shaping what comes next for high school athletics.
If this vote passes, it might even influence what other states decide to do. Who knows—this could change the game for high school athletes across the country.
For more details, you can check out the full article on ESPN.
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