Can Indiana high school athletes make NIL money?

Yes, in a limited way. Under IHSAA Rule 5-7 (effective May 4, 2026), athletes may do Personal Branding Activities that are not connected to their school's athletic program, not tied to performance, and free of school branding.

What NIL deals are off-limits for Indiana high schoolers?

Anything using the school's name, logo, uniform, or mascot; deals tied to athletic performance or used to induce attendance/transfer; and categories like gambling/gaming, alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and firearms/weapons.

Does Indiana require any notice before an NIL deal?

Yes — athletes must notify their athletic director in writing within 48 hours, and the student and parent/guardian remain responsible for compliance.

NIL Rules by State › Indiana

Indiana High School NIL Rules

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

Research status checked August 25, 2026What does this date mean?

High school NIL allowed?

Yes — restrictions apply

Parent co-sign (under 18)

Confirm current rule

School logos & uniforms

See restrictions below

The short version

Indiana permits limited high school NIL through the IHSAA Personal Branding Activity (PBA) framework under Rule 5-7, effective May 4, 2026. Compensation is allowed only when the activity is not connected to a member school's athletic program, is not tied to athletic performance, and does not use school branding. Certain categories are off-limits, and athletes must notify their athletic director in writing within 48 hours.

Key rules in Indiana

Limited high school NIL is permitted through the Personal Branding Activity (PBA) framework.Source: IHSAA Rule 5-7 (effective May 4, 2026)
No use of a school's name, logo, uniform, or mascot, and no implied school affiliation.Source: IHSAA PBA FAQ (Rule 5-7)
Compensation cannot be tied to athletic performance or participation, or used to induce attendance or transfer.Source: IHSAA PBA FAQ (Rule 5-7)
Prohibited categories include gambling/gaming, alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and firearms/weapons.Source: IHSAA PBA FAQ (Rule 5-7)
Athletes must provide written notice to their athletic director within 48 hours; the student and parent/guardian are responsible for compliance.Source: IHSAA PBA FAQ (Rule 5-7)

Primary source: Indiana IHSAA Personal Branding Activity FAQ — Rule 5-7
Rule 5-7 effective May 4, 2026; reviewed August 25, 2026.

Common questions

Can Indiana high school athletes make NIL money?: Yes, in a limited way. Under IHSAA Rule 5-7 (effective May 4, 2026), athletes may do Personal Branding Activities that are not connected to their school's athletic program, not tied to performance, and free of school branding.
What NIL deals are off-limits for Indiana high schoolers?: Anything using the school's name, logo, uniform, or mascot; deals tied to athletic performance or used to induce attendance/transfer; and categories like gambling/gaming, alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and firearms/weapons.
Does Indiana require any notice before an NIL deal?: Yes — athletes must notify their athletic director in writing within 48 hours, and the student and parent/guardian remain responsible for compliance.

Your next step

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

Run the Free Pre-Deal Checklist

Reading this to make a decision?

Indiana's NIL rules can change at any time. The research status was checked August 25, 2026; that is not legal approval. Before acting, confirm the current governing athletic-association and school rules and consult the primary source linked above.

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. This research status was checked August 25, 2026; that check is not legal approval and does not guarantee accuracy, completeness, or applicability to a specific situation. Before entering into any NIL agreement, confirm the current governing athletic-association and school rules and consult qualified counsel where appropriate.

About the research-status date: it records when the release-safety status was checked, not that a deal or athlete was legally cleared. Rules can change at any time. Before acting, double-check the original source, governing athletic association, and school. Page date: August 25, 2026. If you believe any information here is outdated or inaccurate, please contact us.

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