NIL for parents
Before your kid signs anything.
The questions parents of high school athletes ask most, answered from the rules themselves. Start with your state, then read the rest.
Allowed
Yes, with conditions. Keep the school out of it: no school name, logo, uniform or game film.
- Tell the school
- Before signing (state law), then the VHSL form within 72 hours
- Agents
- Allowed
- If a rule is broken
- Loss of eligibility
Verified Nov 4, 2026. Not legal advice.
01
Can my high schooler take an NIL deal?
In 43 states plus D.C., yes, with conditions. Six states say no (Alabama, Arkansas, Hawaii, Mississippi, South Carolina, Wyoming) and two are tightly limited (Nevada: only endorsements unrelated to a sanctioned sport; Texas: nothing with a brand until your child is done with UIL eligibility in that sport, and under-17s cannot sign at all). Check your state row, then your school district, which can be stricter.
02
What is the one rule that applies almost everywhere?
Keep the school out of it. No school name, uniform, logo, mascot, facilities, game film or hashtags tagging the school. Nearly every penalty case to date involved a kid posting in a school jersey, not the money itself.
03
Does a deal from travel ball count?
State association rules follow the athlete, not the source of the deal. A deal arranged through a travel team is fine where NIL is allowed as long as the content never ties back to the high school team. Where NIL is banned, a travel-sourced deal can still cost high school eligibility. Wisconsin's WIAA says it plainly: "Restrictions apply to students in relation to their school teams."
04
Do I have to tell the school?
Depends on the state. Deadlines where they exist: Indiana 48 hours; Delaware (agent contracts) 72 hours; Pennsylvania 72 hours; Virginia 72 hours on the VHSL form (and before signing under state law); Arizona 5 school days; Florida 5 business days (affidavit); Georgia 7 days; Michigan 7 business days (online form to school and MHSAA); Colorado 10 days; Ohio and Oklahoma ($200+) 14 days; North Carolina 10 business days BEFORE signing and 5 after; Louisiana before signing. Many states require copies of the agreement (CT, MA, OR) with no deadline. See the Disclosure column.
05
Can my kid use an agent?
Allowed or not addressed in most states; expressly allowed in CT, DE, FL (NIL advice only), LA (must register with the AG), MA, MD (must be licensed), MI, MN, NC, OH (since May 2026), SD, TX, VT, VA, WA. Wisconsin bars agents outright; New Hampshire and Colorado treat signing with an agent to manage an athletic career as a loss of amateur status. The NCAA now lets prospects use agents, but the NJCAA strips eligibility for a written agent agreement.
06
My child is under 18. Who signs?
A minor's contract is generally voidable, so brands want a parent or guardian to co-sign. Louisiana (2026), Ohio college law (2026) and North Carolina require it by rule; Virginia and Florida forms require a parent signature; Kentucky lets a parent sign and the athlete must reaffirm within 30 days of turning 18. Texas bars anyone from contracting with an athlete under 17.
07
Is the money taxable?
Yes, from the first dollar, including free gear and gift cards. Most NIL work is self-employment income (Schedule C, SE tax once net earnings reach $400). For 2026 payments a brand issues a 1099-NEC only at $2,000+, but the income is taxable regardless. Income earned in high school shows up on the FAFSA two years later. Not tax advice; talk to a preparer.
08
Will a high school deal affect college eligibility?
If your child is headed to NCAA Division I, every deal worth $600 or more (aggregated per payer) entered since July 1, 2025 or the start of junior year, whichever is later, must be reported through NIL Go within 14 days of starting classes or before the first game. Pay for choosing a school is still barred. Keep copies of every agreement and payment.
09
What products are off limits?
Most states list: alcohol, tobacco/vape, cannabis, gambling and sports betting, adult content, weapons, controlled substances and prescription drugs. Some add political activism (FL) and products illegal for minors (OR). A few states (WA, NH, ID, RI, UT, NM) have no list at all; the school district may.
10
What about social media posts for free gear?
Free or discounted product is a "financial relationship" under FTC rules, so the post needs a clear #ad or "sponsored" label, and in most states it is an NIL activity that must follow the no-school-marks rule and any disclosure deadline. Under-13s cannot hold their own accounts on major platforms, so the obligation falls on the parent or club running the account.
11
Where do rules change fastest?
Ohio (HB 661 would re-ban HS NIL; in committee), California (Calhoun v. CIF antitrust suit pending), Alabama (association "studying" NIL; bills keep dying), Mississippi (bylaw ban), South Carolina (new statutory ban), federal (Senate-passed Protect College Sports Act awaiting the House). Recheck these before publishing.