Getting a NIL Deal in High School: Step-by-Step Guide for Student-Athletes and Parents

Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) has completely changed the way athletes can earn money from their personal brand. What started in college has quickly moved down to the high-school level. As of late 2025, most U.S. states now allow some form of NIL for high school athletes, with only a small group still banning it or limiting it heavily. Yahoo Sports+3SportsEpreneur+3mogl.online+3

If you’re a high school athlete (or a parent) wondering how to actually get a NIL deal without risking eligibility or breaking any rules, this guide walks you through the process in clear, practical steps.

Important: This article is for general information only and is not legal or financial advice. Always check your own state high school association rules and talk with a qualified professional before signing any contract.

1. Understand the Rules in Your State and School

Before you think about sponsorships or social media campaigns, you must know what’s allowed where you live. High-school NIL is controlled mostly at the state and association level, not just by the NCAA.

Recent trackers show that around 45 states plus Washington, D.C. allow some form of NIL at the high school level, while a few (like Alabama, Indiana, Michigan, Mississippi, and Wyoming) still prohibit or don’t formally allow it. mogl.online+2Yahoo Sports+2
Many associations let athletes earn NIL money as long as the deal is separate from their school team and doesn’t use school logos, uniforms, or official marks. NFHS+2AIA Online+2
States and school associations also list banned categories for NIL (for example: alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, gambling, adult content), and violating these can cost you your eligibility. SportsEpreneur+1

Action steps:

Go to your state high school athletic association website and search for “NIL policy” or “Name, Image and Likeness.”
Ask your athletic director or coach for a copy of your school’s NIL rules. (Schools are encouraged to educate, not encourage NIL, but they should still explain the rules clearly. Coach and Athletic Director)
Make a simple checklist:
- Is NIL allowed in my state?
- Can I use my school uniform or logo?
- Are there spending or category restrictions?
- Do I need to report deals to the school or association?

You can’t build a NIL brand if you accidentally break the rules, so this foundation comes first.

2. Stay Eligible: Grades, Character and Playing Time

Brands and sponsors care about two things: visibility and reputation. You won’t have either if you’re ineligible, benched, or constantly in trouble.

Many NIL education resources emphasize that academic and athletic eligibility is the first “filter” for NIL opportunities. If you’re not allowed to compete, your value drops fast. Honest Game+1

Focus on three basics:

Grades: Keep your GPA strong and stay on track to be eligible for both high school competition and future college recruiting.
Performance: NIL deals usually flow to athletes who are starters, stat leaders, or recognized on all-district/all-state lists.
Reputation: Brands want athletes who show good sportsmanship, respect coaches, and stay out of off-field drama.

Think of your sport and your school record as the engine of your NIL brand. Everything else is just the bodywork.

3. Build a Strong Personal Brand Online

Once your eligibility and compliance basics are handled, the real NIL work starts: building a personal brand that companies want to be attached to.

Most high-school NIL guides agree on three pillars: content, consistency, and character. athletenarrative.com+2NIL Store+2

Choose Your Main Platforms

Pick one or two platforms where you’ll be active (for example, Instagram + TikTok, or YouTube + Instagram). Make sure your username is clean and easy to remember.

Clean Up Your Profiles

Remove inappropriate posts, profanity, or content that clashes with school rules or common NIL restrictions.
Use a clear profile photo and short bio that says who you are: “2027 WR | 3.8 GPA | [State] All-District | Faith, family, football.”

Post the Right Kind of Content

Mix three types of posts:

Sport highlights – clips of games, workouts, training sessions.
Student-life & school spirit – volunteer work, honor roll, clubs, community events.
Personality & values – what you care about (family, hard work, community service), as long as it’s respectful and non-controversial.

Brands look for athletes whose online image matches their own values. A small but high-engagement audience can be more valuable than a large but inactive one.

Engage With Your Community

Reply to comments, thank people for sharing your posts, and support other athletes. A positive presence makes companies more comfortable putting you in their campaigns.

4. Get Your Business Side Ready

Even in high school, NIL is still business. Some states are now considering laws that treat anyone helping secure NIL deals as a “sports agent,” which can trigger background checks and registration requirements. Baton Rouge Business Report+1

You don’t need to be a legal expert, but you should:

Involve a parent or guardian in every conversation and contract. If you are a minor, you may not be able to sign binding contracts alone.
Set up a way to receive money:
- For small deals, that may just be a joint bank account with a parent.
- For larger or ongoing deals, some families set up an LLC or separate business account after talking with an accountant or attorney.
Track income and expenses. NIL money may be taxable. Keeping records from the start makes life easier later.

When in doubt, ask a qualified adult—teacher, school counselor, accountant, or lawyer—to review documents with you.

5. Find Your First NIL Opportunities

A lot of athletes think NIL is only for superstars with millions of followers. In reality, local and niche deals are often the best place to start. athletenarrative.com+1

Start Local

Local businesses love supporting local athletes, especially in tight-knit communities. Good targets include:

Restaurants and smoothie shops
Gyms and training facilities
Local clothing boutiques or sporting goods stores
Car washes, barbershops, small businesses that already sponsor your school

You might offer:

A series of social media posts in exchange for a small cash payment, free meals, or training sessions
A one-time appearance at a community event
Discount codes you share with followers, where you earn a commission on sales

Build a Simple Media Kit

Even as a high-school athlete, you can look professional. Put together a one-page media kit that includes:

Your sport, position, class year, and major accomplishments
Follower count and engagement stats for your main social platforms
The type of content you create (game highlights, training, lifestyle)
A short “about me” paragraph focused on your values and goals

You can send this as a PDF or Google Doc when emailing businesses.

How to Reach Out

Keep your pitch email short and respectful:

“Hi, my name is [Name]. I’m a [Year] at [School] and play [Sport/Position]. I’m interested in a NIL partnership where I promote [Business Name] on my social media. I’ve attached my media kit so you can see my stats and content examples. I would love to talk about a possible collaboration that benefits both of us.”

Many businesses may say no—but it only takes one yes to get started.

6. Keep Deals Compliant With High-School and NCAA Rules

NIL is powerful, but there are hard lines you cannot cross if you want to keep playing. Common rules from high-school associations and NCAA guidance include: SportsEpreneur+3NFHS+3IMG Academy++3

No pay-for-play. NIL money cannot be a secret “salary” for scoring points, starting at a certain position, or choosing a specific school.
No recruiting bribes. Deals that depend on you transferring to a certain high school or committing to a particular college can cause major eligibility issues.
No school logos or uniforms (in many states). You may need to wear neutral gear in ads and avoid using your team’s name, mascot, or field.
No banned categories. Avoid deals tied to alcohol, tobacco, drugs, adult content, gambling, weapons, or anything else prohibited by your state or school policies.
Report deals if required. Some associations require athletes to disclose NIL agreements to the school or state office.

If a potential sponsor asks you to hide a deal from your school, break a rule, or promote something illegal for minors, that’s a huge red flag—walk away.

7. Protect Yourself From Scams and Bad Contracts

Because there is real money involved, high-school NIL also attracts bad actors. Legal experts warn that the “minefield of state laws and regulations” can create risk if families sign contracts they don’t fully understand. Foley & Lardner LLP+1

Watch out for:

People who want a percentage of all your future NIL deals in exchange for vague “management” services.
Agreements that last many years and don’t let you cancel if you change schools or graduate.
Pressure to sign fast without time to read or get advice.
Promises that sound too good to be true, like guaranteed huge paydays with no proof of past results.

Whenever possible, have a qualified attorney or a trusted adult with business experience review contracts before you sign anything.

8. Think Long-Term: NIL as a Resume, Not Just a Paycheck

Handled correctly, NIL can be more than spending money—it can become part of your life and career story.

By the time you graduate high school, you could have:

Real experience working with brands and meeting deadlines
A portfolio of content, campaigns, and events you can show to colleges, future sponsors, or even job employers
A stronger understanding of money management, taxes, and contracts than most of your peers

If you treat NIL as a chance to learn and grow—not just a quick way to get cash—you’ll put yourself ahead both on and off the field.

Final Thoughts

Getting a NIL deal in high school isn’t only for five-star recruits anymore. With the right combination of rule awareness, on-field performance, a positive personal brand, and smart business habits, many student-athletes can create real opportunities while still protecting their eligibility and education.

Start by understanding your state’s NIL rules and your school’s policies. Then focus on being the best version of yourself on the field, in the classroom, and online. Approach local businesses professionally, involve your parents or guardians in every step, and stay away from anything that risks your eligibility or your reputation.

If you do that consistently, your first NIL deal won’t just be a paycheck—it will be the beginning of your personal brand as an athlete, student, and future professional.