Can Arkansas high school athletes make NIL money?

Generally no under AAA rules — but once you've been accepted into an Arkansas college or university, Act 589 (2023) allows NIL deals.

I've been accepted to an Arkansas college — can I sign NIL deals now?

Act 589 opens that door. Confirm the details with your school's athletic director and the college's compliance office before signing.

What's the risk of a brand deal before college acceptance in Arkansas?

Accepting compensation for advertising violates AAA amateurism rules and risks high school eligibility.

NIL Rules by State › Arkansas

Arkansas High School NIL Rules

What student-athletes and parents in Arkansas need to know about name, image, and likeness — in plain language.

Rules verified as of August 2026What does this date mean?

High school NIL allowed?

Limited

Parent co-sign (under 18)

Generally required

School logos & uniforms

Restricted

The short version

Arkansas is a middle case. AAA amateurism rules generally prohibit high school athletes from being paid for the use of their name, picture, or person in advertising. But Act 589, passed in 2023, allows NIL as soon as a high school athlete is accepted into an Arkansas college or university.

Key rules in Arkansas

AAA athletes may not accept gifts, products, awards, or compensation for permitting their name, picture, or person to be used to advertise or promote a product or venture.Source: AAA Handbook, Art. III, Rule 10 (Amateurism)
Act 589 (2023) allows NIL once a high school athlete has been accepted into an Arkansas college or university.Source: AR Act 589 (2023)
Athletes under 18 generally need a parent or guardian co-signature on NIL contracts.Source: State minors-contracts doctrine

Common questions

Can Arkansas high school athletes make NIL money?: Generally no under AAA rules — but once you've been accepted into an Arkansas college or university, Act 589 (2023) allows NIL deals.
I've been accepted to an Arkansas college — can I sign NIL deals now?: Act 589 opens that door. Confirm the details with your school's athletic director and the college's compliance office before signing.
What's the risk of a brand deal before college acceptance in Arkansas?: Accepting compensation for advertising violates AAA amateurism rules and risks high school eligibility.

Your next step

Before anyone signs anything, walk through the free pre-deal checklist together — it covers payment terms, exclusivity, and Arkansas's rules step by step.

Run the Free Pre-Deal Checklist

Reading this to make a decision?

Arkansas's NIL rules can change at any time. Everything on this page is current as of August 2026 — the last date we checked it against the official sources. Laws and policies may have been updated or changed since then, so before acting on anything important, confirm the details with the original source listed above or your school's compliance office.

NIL rules in other states

More NIL resources

Disclaimer

The information on this page is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is not a substitute for consultation with a licensed attorney in your state, and reviewing this page does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and My NIL Guide, JSL Lead Enterprises, L.L.C., its owners, or any affiliated person.

NIL laws and school/athletic-association policies vary by state and change frequently. While we work to keep this information current, we do not guarantee its accuracy, completeness, or applicability to your specific situation. Before entering into any NIL agreement or relying on information about your state's rules, consult your school's compliance office and/or a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.

About the "verified as of" date: it shows the last time we checked this page against the official published rules (the state athletic association's policy, state law, or the agency named in the sources above). Rules can change at any time after that date, so before acting on anything important, double-check directly with the original source, your school's compliance office, or a licensed attorney. This page was last verified on August 2026. If you believe any information here is outdated or inaccurate, please contact us.

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