Ohio high school athletes can now earn money from their name, image and likeness (NIL), after OHSAA member schools voted in favor of an emergency bylaw change.
The vote makes Ohio the 45th state to allow NIL for high school students.
The bylaw takes effect immediately, meaning student-athletes can now sign paid deals for social media, appearances, endorsements, licensing and more — as long as they follow OHSAA rules designed to protect eligibility and prevent recruiting violations.
The emergency vote stemmed from a lawsuit filed by an Ohio student-athlete in October that resulted in a temporary restraining order against OHSAA’s prior ban.
OHSAA says the new bylaw creates a safer, clearer framework as NIL continues to expand across the country.
“Whether people agree with NIL or not, courts have made it clear that student-athletes can’t be prevented from earning money,” said Executive Director Doug Ute.
OHSAA developed the rules with input from school administrators, Board of Directors members and feedback from regional meetings. The organization will now monitor NIL deals to ensure compliance with recruiting and transfer rules.
Any updates to the bylaw would go through the regular voting process in May.
