Can Virginia high school athletes make NIL money?

Yes — Va. Code §22.1-212.2:4 and VHSL rules permit it, with restrictions on prohibited categories, induction of enrollment, and the use of school IP.

Can schools or boosters pay a Virginia athlete to enroll?

No. Schools, boosters, and coaches are prohibited from using NIL to induce enrollment or joining a team.

Do Virginia athletes need a registered agent?

If using an agent, the agent must be registered under Virginia law. Minors generally also need an adult co-signature on the contract itself.

NIL Rules by State › Virginia

Virginia High School NIL Rules

What student-athletes and parents in Virginia 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

Virginia law (Va. Code §22.1-212.2:4) and VHSL rules permit high-school NIL with restrictions. Schools, boosters, and coaches may not use NIL to induce enrollment or joining a team. VHSL and member-school intellectual property is off limits. A broad list of deal categories is prohibited. Agents must be registered under Virginia law, and minors generally need an adult co-signature for an enforceable contract.

Key rules in Virginia

NIL is permitted, but schools, boosters, and coaches may not use NIL to induce enrollment or joining a team.Source: Va. Code §22.1-212.2:4; VHSL rules (VDOE NIL page, checked 2026-08-21)
Compensation using VHSL or member-school intellectual property is prohibited.Source: VDOE NIL page (checked 2026-08-21)
Prohibited categories include alcohol, adult entertainment, cannabis and listed derivatives, controlled substances, PEDs, drug paraphernalia, tobacco, nicotine, vaping, weapons, firearms, ammunition, casinos, gambling, and sports betting.Source: VDOE NIL page (checked 2026-08-21)
Agents must be registered under Virginia law.Source: VDOE NIL page (checked 2026-08-21)
Minors generally need an adult co-signature for an enforceable contract.Source: Virginia contract law; VDOE NIL note

Primary source: Virginia Department of Education — Name, Image and Likeness
References Va. Code §22.1-212.2:4 and VHSL; reviewed August 25, 2026.

Common questions

Can Virginia high school athletes make NIL money?: Yes — Va. Code §22.1-212.2:4 and VHSL rules permit it, with restrictions on prohibited categories, induction of enrollment, and the use of school IP.
Can schools or boosters pay a Virginia athlete to enroll?: No. Schools, boosters, and coaches are prohibited from using NIL to induce enrollment or joining a team.
Do Virginia athletes need a registered agent?: If using an agent, the agent must be registered under Virginia law. Minors generally also need an adult co-signature on the contract itself.

Your next step

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

Run the Free Pre-Deal Checklist

Reading this to make a decision?

Virginia'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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