High school NIL is governed by your state, not the NCAA. Rules vary significantly. Here is what changed in 2025 and what every high school athlete needs to check before any commercial activity.
High school NIL is NOT governed by the same rules as college NIL. Every state has its own high school athletics association (HSAA), and those associations set their own rules. As of 2025, the majority of states allow some form of high school NIL but restrictions vary significantly. An activity that is legal in one state may constitute a violation in another. Before any commercial activity, check with your specific state's HSAA.
The trend across states in 2025 moved toward broader NIL permission for high school athletes. The most common model allows commercial activity that does not involve school name, logo, or uniform; does not involve certain product categories (alcohol, tobacco, gambling, pharmaceutical); and does not conflict with existing school or HSAA sponsor agreements.
Several states now explicitly allow social media brand deals, personal endorsements, paid appearances, and merchandise using the athlete's own name or likeness as long as school affiliation is not used commercially.
Assuming college NIL rules apply. They do not. Also common: using school logos, uniforms, or branding in commercial content, which triggers compliance issues in virtually every state. And accepting deals without understanding that the activity may affect future eligibility depending on the sport and school's conference affiliation.