Michigan High School Athletes Can Now Sign NIL Deals: What Families Need to Know

As of January 27, 2026, Michigan high school athletes can legally earn compensation for their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). The change follows approval by the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA), bringing Michigan in line with many other states that have already expanded NIL opportunities to high school student-athletes.

So, what does this mean for families? As most everyone knows by now, NIL refers to a student-athlete’s ability to earn money from the use of their name, image, or likeness. At the high school level, this can include social media endorsements, paid appearances, autograph signings, camps or lessons, and other marketing opportunities tied to the athlete as an individual. Under the new MHSAA rules, high school athletes can enter into NIL agreements, but there some things you know first:

1. All NIL deals must be disclosed to the MHSAA;

2. Schools cannot solicit or arrange NIL opportunities on a student-athlete’s behalf;

3. NIL agreements must be separate from school or team activities;

4. Certain categories such as gambling, tobacco, and alcohol are, or course, prohibited; and

5. NIL opportunities are only for individual student-athletes, not teams.

This new MHSAA framework is separate from college NIL. That said, the two are connected because college coaches, schools, and sponsors are already paying attention long before a student-athlete graduates. In short, what student-athletes build in high school, on and off the field, will often follow them into college.

Whether your son or daughter is presented with a local business sponsorship, running a camp, posting training content online, or even a bigger opportunity, it’s important for players and parents to understand the rules and ask questions before agreeing to anything. After all, NIL contracts are still contracts. They can raise issues involving eligibility, taxes, branding rights, and potentially other long-term obligations.

If you have questions about NIL, whether at the high school or college level, please contact R. Paul Vance at 810-232-3141. He can help families think through the legal and practical considerations before problems arise.