Your Teen’s NIL Future Starts in High School: Here’s What Parents Need to Know
Many parents first hear about NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) once their child is already in college. But the truth is, the most prepared student-athletes start laying the groundwork long before they step on campus.
If your child is in high school and plays sports, you don’t have to wait until a scholarship or signing day to start thinking about NIL.
In fact, their NIL future starts now and you’re in the perfect position to help.
Let’s explore what that looks like.
Why Early Matters in NIL
While NIL laws vary by state, and high school athletes can’t always sign deals yet, the brand-building that makes NIL possible starts well before eligibility.
By helping your child establish their online presence, strengthen their character story, and connect with their local community, you’re giving them a massive head start.
Think of it this way: NIL is like a college application. You don’t wait until senior year to build the resume.
What Parents Can Help With in High School
Here are a few NIL-aligned actions parents can take right now to support their student-athlete’s future success:
1. Guide Their Online Reputation
What does your teen’s social media say about them?
If you were a local business owner looking for someone to represent your brand, would you be confident in their public posts?
Help them:
Use consistent bios and photos
Avoid anything that conflicts with their values or goals
Share occasional highlights from games, training, or causes they care about
It’s not about becoming an influencer. It’s about showing up as a thoughtful, positive athlete who takes their journey seriously.
2. Support Their Off-Field Identity
What are they passionate about beyond sport?
NIL is built around the whole person, not just athletic performance. If your teen loves cooking, fashion, coaching younger athletes, or photography that’s part of their brand.
Encourage them to explore these interests and talk about them. That unique mix of passion and personality is what attracts brands and opportunities later on.
3. Start Local Conversations
You don’t need a marketing agency to get your teen thinking about NIL.
Start simple: “What businesses do you love and already use?” or “Who in our community supports youth sports?”
These are the companies who might one day sponsor your child. The earlier you build those relationships (even casually), the easier those NIL doors open when the time comes.
Real Example: Building NIL Readiness in High School
One athlete we worked with a junior basketball player in Texas, she had a passion for mental health advocacy. She started posting weekly “Mindset Monday” videos with tips she learned in sports psychology.
By the time she hit college, she already had:
A reputation for positivity
A supportive local community
A clear personal brand
She wasn’t famous. She was ready. And sponsors saw it.
What NIL in High School Is (and Isn’t)
It’s NOT:
About chasing followers or viral fame
About signing big brand deals before you’re ready
About turning your teen into a walking advertisement
It IS:
A chance to help your child grow in confidence, communication, and career-readiness
A way to connect with local businesses and causes that share your family’s values
A path toward more opportunities in college and beyond
Take the First Step With Your Teen Today
Not sure where to begin? I’ve created a free resource just for parents of high school athletes that breaks down NIL clearly and in a way that helps you and your athlete take those first steps in NIL readiness.
Download NIL Unlocked here.
Your teen’s NIL journey doesn’t start the day they sign a letter of intent.
It starts with the choices they make—and the guidance you give—right now.
You don’t have to be an expert. You just need to be involved