Can You Do NIL in High School? Here’s the Real Deal
Hi, I’m Vickie! I’ve spent more than a decade working with athletes around the world, from Olympians to student-athletes at all levels. One of the biggest questions I get from younger athletes is:
“Can I do NIL if I’m still in high school?”
The short answer? Sometimes. The longer answer? Let’s walk through it together, because if you’re in high school and curious about NIL, it’s worth understanding what’s possible now and what you can prepare for next.
What’s the Legal Answer?
NIL rules for high school athletes depend on your state or country.
In the U.S., some states allow high school athletes to earn from NIL, while others don’t, or have strict rules in place. And even in states where it’s allowed, your school, district, or athletic association might have specific guidelines.
For example, California, New Jersey, and Illinois are among the states that allow high school NIL deals. But in Texas and many others, it’s still prohibited through high school sports associations.
So… How Do You Know If You Can?
Here’s what to do:
✅ Check your state high school athletic association’s website. That’s where the official rules live.
✅ Ask your athletic director or coach. They can help guide you and make sure you stay eligible.
✅ Look for recent updates. The NIL space is evolving fast, and some states are in the process of changing their rules.
What If You Can’t Do NIL Yet?
If your state doesn’t allow it, don’t stress. There’s still a lot you can do to prepare, and when the time comes, you’ll be ahead of the game.
Here’s how to use your time wisely:
1. Start Building Your Brand
Your brand is more than a logo or follower count. It’s about who you are, what you value, and how people see you, on and off the field.
I’ve seen athletes start building their brand in high school and land NIL deals as soon as they step into college because they already had clarity and confidence.
2. Clean Up (and Level Up) Your Social Media
Even without posting much, your profile says a lot. Make sure your bio reflects who you are and your posts show you in a positive light.
Brands will look, so make it easy for them to see you as a great potential partner.
3. Learn the Basics of NIL
The more you understand now, the easier it will be to make smart choices when you can start doing deals. Get to know:
What makes a good NIL opportunity
How to protect your eligibility
What types of deals fit your personality and goals
What If NIL Is Allowed in My State?
Amazing! That means you can start as long as you follow the rules.
Here’s how to do it right:
✅ Make sure every deal goes through a parent/guardian
✅ Be honest about what you’re offering (and get it in writing)
✅ Start small: think local businesses or products you already use
✅ Always check with your school before signing anything
Final Thoughts: Don’t Rush, Just Build
Whether NIL is allowed at your school or not, you’re not behind. Most NIL success comes from long-term relationships, strong personal brands, and clear communication — all things you can start developing right now.
3 Things to Do Today
✅ Find out your state’s NIL rules for high schoolers
✅ Start defining your brand values and story
✅ Make sure your social media reflects who you really are.
The NIL journey doesn’t start with a contract. It starts with you. And whether you’re eligible now or not, there’s plenty of time to build something amazing.