Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights has evolved significantly since the Supreme Court's decision in June 2021, which allowed student-athletes to profit from their personal brands. This ruling has led to a varied adoption of NIL policies across different states, particularly concerning high school athletes.

State Approaches to High School NIL Deals

California: Pioneering in this domain, California witnessed its first high school NIL agreement when an 18-year-old football player endorsed a recruitment app on social media platforms.
Texas: Contrastingly, Texas prohibits high school athletes from engaging in NIL deals. This restriction led one prominent athlete to forgo his senior year and commence his collegiate athletic career early to access NIL opportunities, prompting debates about the effectiveness of such prohibitions.

Implications for High School Athletes

Data indicates that approximately 7% of high school athletes progress to collegiate sports, with only about 2% advancing to NCAA Division I institutions. Given these statistics, enabling high school athletes to benefit from their NIL rights could offer financial advantages before they conclude their athletic pursuits. However, it's essential to consider the primary motivations for high school sports participation; a significant majority of students cite enjoyment and physical activity as their main reasons. The introduction of NIL deals at the high school level raises questions about potential shifts in these motivations and the overall impact on youth sports culture.

As the NIL landscape continues to develop, it's important to balance the opportunities for young athletes to monetize their talents with the preservation of the foundational values of high school athletics.

Si’i Alofa Can Help You Take Your Athletic Career To The Next Level

For high and college student athletes interested in NIL and scholarship opportunities, Si’i Alofa brings together a diverse group of partners with expertise in: