{"id":24814,"date":"2020-10-22T18:35:09","date_gmt":"2020-10-22T18:35:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ncsasports.org\/name-image-likeness"},"modified":"2025-10-24T14:29:56","modified_gmt":"2025-10-24T19:29:56","slug":"name-image-likeness","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.ncsasports.org\/name-image-likeness","title":{"rendered":"Name, Image,\u00a0Likeness (NIL)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

*Last Updated on September 2025<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In June 2021, the NCAA implemented an interim policy<\/a> on name, image and likeness, or NIL, allowing student-athletes to make money from their personal brand.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

NIL laws vary by state, meaning your state may or may not have its own NIL regulations you must adhere to. Whether high school students can participate in NIL activities depends on the rules set by your state\u2019s high school sports association. Additionally, colleges and universities often have their own unique rules for NIL. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our guide aims to simplify the NIL rules for high school athletes and parents involved in the recruiting process. Keep reading to better understand what\u2019s allowed for high school student-athletes and maximize your potential for future NIL money and opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On This Page<\/h2><\/span><\/div>
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What is NIL?<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
What is the NCAA NIL rule?<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Upcoming or Recent NIL Changes<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Examples of NIL activities for student-athletes<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
NIL for high school athletes<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
What states have signed NIL laws?\u00a0<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
High school associations\u00a0and the\u00a0NIL rules\u00a0<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Colleges\/universities and their NIL rules\u00a0<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
National governing bodies sport-specific amateurism rules\u00a0<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
How to talk to college coaches about NIL\u00a0<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Helping student-athletes monetize on their NIL\u00a0<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
NCAA NIL FAQs<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

What is NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness)?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

NIL refers to a student-athlete\u2019s ability to profit from their name, image, and likeness \u2014 elements of their personal brand. This concept is rooted in the “right of publicity,” which gives individuals control over how their identity is used for commercial purposes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, if a company uses an athlete\u2019s photo to promote a product without their permission, the athlete could claim a violation of their NIL rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n