Can Ohio high school athletes make NIL money?

Yes — beginning November 2025, under the OHSAA's newly approved Personal Branding Rights bylaw. Much online information predates this change, so double-check anything you read against current OHSAA guidance.

When did Ohio allow high school NIL?

OHSAA member schools approved the change in 2025, effective beginning November 2025. Before that, NIL was prohibited for Ohio high school athletes.

What should Ohio athletes do before signing an NIL deal?

Because the rule is new, confirm current requirements with your school's athletic director and review OHSAA's NIL Resource Center before signing.

NIL Rules by State › Ohio

Ohio High School NIL Rules

What student-athletes and parents in Ohio 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

Ohio flipped recently: for years the OHSAA prohibited NIL, but member schools approved the Personal Branding Rights bylaw allowing Ohio high school athletes to enter NIL agreements beginning in November 2025. Because this rule is new, details and interpretations are still settling — verify specifics with your athletic director before signing anything.

Key rules in Ohio

Effective November 24, 2025, OHSAA athletes may enter NIL (personal branding) agreements under the newly approved bylaw.Source: OHSAA NIL — Personal Branding Rights Bylaw (effective Nov 24, 2025)
Deals must remain separate from the school: school marks, uniforms, and facilities are restricted, and NIL cannot be tied to athletic performance or used to induce enrollment.Source: OHSAA NIL Resource Center
Before the change, athletes forfeited amateur status by capitalizing on athletic fame for money — the old rule no longer controls, but pre-Nov 2025 information online is outdated.Source: former OHSAA Bylaws 4-10, 5
Athletes under 18 generally need a parent or guardian co-signature on NIL contracts.Source: State minors-contracts doctrine

Primary source: OHSAA NIL Resource Center
Personal Branding rule effective November 24, 2025; reviewed August 25, 2026.

Common questions

Can Ohio high school athletes make NIL money?: Yes — beginning November 2025, under the OHSAA's newly approved Personal Branding Rights bylaw. Much online information predates this change, so double-check anything you read against current OHSAA guidance.
When did Ohio allow high school NIL?: OHSAA member schools approved the change in 2025, effective beginning November 2025. Before that, NIL was prohibited for Ohio high school athletes.
What should Ohio athletes do before signing an NIL deal?: Because the rule is new, confirm current requirements with your school's athletic director and review OHSAA's NIL Resource Center before signing.

Your next step

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

Run the Free Pre-Deal Checklist

Reading this to make a decision?

Ohio'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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