NIL policy now in place to allow West Virginia prep athletes to earn money

Aug. 11—MORGANTOWN — According to a policy set by the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (SSAC) and approved by the state Board of Education, high school and middle school athletes in the state can begin to profit from Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deals without losing their eligibility.

The policy, which became public on Aug. 8, now joins West Virginia with at least 40 other states to allow prep athletes to earn NIL money.

SSAC executive director Wayne Ryan did not respond to a message for comment.

In approving the policy, athletes in the state are now free to have their name or image tied to a company for the purpose of advertisements or commercials for monetary gain as well as earn money through things such as charging for an autograph without the fear of losing their amateur status or eligibility.