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Can high school players earn NIL money, and what are the rules in my state?

By McKinley Malbrough III, J.D., MS-HRM · Certified WNBA player agent · Former certified NBA agent

Published September 27, 2026. Last updated September 27, 2026.

Who sets high school NIL rules?

Your state does. The NCAA and the College Sports Commission govern college athletes; high school athletes are governed by state law and their state high school athletic association. That is why the rules differ so much from one state to the next.

At least 40 states allow high school athletes to earn money from their name, image and likeness, per ESPN. Independent trackers counted between 41 and 46 states in 2026, depending on how each counts partial permission, per Opendorse and Draftworth. The count changes, so confirm with your state association before signing anything.

What do state rules usually require?

The details vary, but most permitting states share a core set of limits:

• No school marks. Players usually cannot use their high school's name, logo or uniform in a deal.
• No pay for performance. Money cannot be tied to points, wins or enrolling at a particular school.
• No recruiting inducements. A deal cannot be an offer to transfer or commit.
• Restricted categories. Alcohol, tobacco, vaping, gambling and adult content are commonly banned.
• Disclosure. Some states require the player to report deals to the school or association.
• Age limits. Some states set a minimum age or require extra approval for younger athletes.

Because a minor generally cannot sign a binding contract alone, a parent or guardian is part of every deal.

What must Division I-bound players report?

Players who enroll at a Division I school must report every third-party NIL deal worth $600 or more signed or paid since July 1, 2025 or the first day of their junior year of high school, whichever is later. Smaller payments from the same payer that add up to $600 count too. The deadline is 14 days after starting full-time classes or before the first Division I game, whichever comes first, through NIL Go, per the NCAA.

Once enrolled, the rule tightens to five business days for new deals, per the College Sports Commission. NIL Go checks whether each deal serves a valid business purpose and pays within a reasonable range. A high school deal that looks like a disguised recruiting payment can create an eligibility problem later.

What do high school NIL deals realistically look like?

Most are small: a local restaurant, a car dealership, a training facility, a camp appearance, social media posts, autographs. Six-figure deals exist, but they go to a small group of nationally ranked players with large followings. Most college players earn modest NIL amounts, and most high school players earn less.

That is not a reason to skip NIL. A local deal teaches a young player how to show up on time, deliver what was promised and handle money. It is a reason to keep expectations realistic and to put development first.

Before signing a high school NIL deal

• Read your state association's current NIL policy and follow its disclosure rules.
• Get every deal in writing: what you deliver, when you get paid, how long it runs and how either side can end it.
• Keep a log of every deal and payment, even small ones. You will need it for NIL Go and for taxes. Here is how NIL income is taxed.
• Be careful with anyone who wants a large percentage of future earnings or an upfront fee. Here is who a young player should trust.