NIL in Ohio High School Sports — What It Means and How to Get Ready
NIL stands for Name, Image, and Likeness — the legal right for an athlete to earn money from their personal brand.
That includes:
Paid sponsorships or endorsements
Social media collaborations
Autograph signings
Personal merchandise or apparel
Appearances or events
Content creation for businesses or organizations
If an athlete is paid because of who they are or what they represent, that’s NIL activity.
Even with this ruling, NIL does not mean:
Schools can pay athletes or use NIL to recruit.
Athletes can use school logos, uniforms, or facilities for paid promotions (unless explicitly licensed).
Performance bonuses (“$100 per touchdown”) are legal.
Boosters can funnel money through NIL for team advantage.
Athletes and families should treat NIL as a personal business opportunity, not a school-connected transaction.
Yes — as of October 2025, following a Franklin County Common Pleas Court order, high school athletes in Ohio can pursue NIL deals.
This decision affects all 818 schools under the OHSAA umbrella.
The OHSAA will likely issue further rules on disclosure, compliance, and restrictions in the coming weeks, but the legal precedent has been set.
It means student-athletes can now be paid for endorsements, social media promotions, and other opportunities tied to their personal brand.
Yes, under the new court ruling. Athletes can sign endorsement deals as long as they follow OHSAA and school policies.
Not without written permission. Sponsors typically require brand-safe photos — that’s where a professional NIL photographer can help.
You’ll need professional headshots, clean background portraits, lifestyle shots, and social-media-ready images that represent your personal brand.
Recruiting photos showcase athletic performance for colleges; NIL photos highlight your personality and professionalism for sponsors and social media.
Build your brand first — social profiles, photography, and a clear message about what you stand for. Then approach sponsors or register with NIL platforms.
Local photographers experienced in sports and branding — like AMAC Photo — can help you create professional NIL imagery for sponsorships, media kits, and online promotion.
Yes, but choose carefully. Start with a parent or trusted advisor, and consult an attorney if signing contracts with agents or brands.
Parents should review every contract, avoid performance-based compensation, and ensure deals don’t conflict with school or team policies.
IMPORTANT: While this page discusses legal topics, it is informational in nature, and should not be construed as legal advice. Before accepting any contract, signing any agreements, consult with an attorney. This is a rapidly evolving topic, and it may be out of date.