Status

What We Discovered

Illinois has become the 25th state to permit Name, Image, and Likeness at the high school level. The Illinois High School Association has released modified By-Laws for Name, Image, and Likeness stating that “A student in a member school may earn compensation from the use of the name, image, and likeness (“NIL Activity”)” The guidelines also go on to list the parameters surrounding the Permitted status. You can find this under “Modify By-laws 3.083, Add By-law 3.084, 3.085, and New By-law 3.086 – Amateurism.”

Summary

College

NIL Law: Senate Bill 2338

Abstract | Full Law | Passed: 6/29/2021 | Effective: 7/1/2021

NIL Law: House Bill 1175

Abstract | Full Law | Passed: 5/20/2022 | Effective: 5/20/2022

SB 2338 prohibits athletes from profiting off of their NIL prior to their enrollment at a postsecondary institution. College athletes can monetize their NIL, but must sign a written contract for all publicity rights agreements above $500 in value, and must disclose all contracts to their university. Athletes may not profit from NIL deals that involve certain industries, including those promoting gambling, alcohol, cannabis, controlled substances, tobacco, alternative or electronic nicotine delivery systems, adult entertainment, or any other industry or brand that may tarnish a university’s reputation.

In May 2022, lawmakers amended this legislation removing the prohibition of schools from directly or indirectly arranging for third parties to provide compensation to a prospective or current student-athlete. Read the full bill for additional changes made to the NIL law.

Summary

High School

Illinois has become the 25th state to permit Name, Image, and Likeness at the high school level. The Illinois High School Association has released modified By-Laws for Name, Image, and Likeness stating that “A student in a member school may earn compensation from the use of the name, image, and likeness (“NIL Activity”)” The guidelines also go on to list the parameters surrounding the Permitted status. You can find this under “Modify By-laws 3.083, Add By-law 3.084, 3.085, and New By-law 3.086 – Amateurism.”

Bylaws | IHSA Handbook

Excerpt | 3.083 Amateurism

A student in a member school may accept any other award for participation in an athletic contest, or for
athletic honors or recognition subject to these By-laws, which does not exceed $75 $150 in fair market
value, in the following sports: badminton, baseball, basketball, bowling, cross country, football, golf,
gymnastics, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track and field, volleyball, wrestling, and any other
sport in which the student’s school provides interscholastic competition. Provided the award shall not be
provided in exchange for any athletic performance or achievement; the award shall not be provided as an
inducement to attend a particular member school or to remain enrolled in any member school; and the
award shall not be provided by a member school or an agent of a member school. In addition, a student in
a member school may receive and retain items of wearing apparel which are worn for non-school athletic
competition as part of a team uniform provided for and worn by the student during competition.

3.084 A student in a member school may earn compensation from the use of the name, image, and likeness
(“NIL Activity”), subject to these By-laws and Board Policy number XXXX. For purposes of this By-law,
“NIL Activity” means any activity for which a student in a member school performs any work, service,
endorsement, or makes any appearance, in exchange for compensation or other remuneration as
determined by the Board of defined in the Board Policies.