NIL FAQ for Businesses Working with Indiana High School Athletes
July 30, 2026 · 3 min read
Educational & Illustrative Use Only. Not legal, tax, accounting, or other professional advice and does not create any professional relationship. Consult a locally licensed attorney and CPA before acting on any information here.
Quick answers for companies structuring name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals with Indiana high school student-athletes under IHSAA Rule 5-7. For the full walkthrough, see How to Sponsor an Indiana High School Athlete Legally.
Can we pay a high school athlete to promote our product on social media?
Yes, as long as the promotion doesn't reference their school — name, logo, mascot, uniform — and the compensation isn't tied to their athletic performance or their school's athletic program.
Can we feature the student in their school uniform in our ad?
No. Using a student's school name, logo, uniform, or identity in a branding activity is prohibited, regardless of the rest of the deal's structure.
Can we structure a bonus based on the student's team's win record?
No. Compensation tied to athletic performance, participation, or the school athletic program is explicitly prohibited under the rule.
We support a local team as a booster organization. Can we compensate athletes through it?
No. Students may not accept benefits from PBA collectives or entities operating on behalf of a member school. If your organization functions as a booster entity, this applies to you.
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Educational and Illustrative Use Only
All resources, articles, forms, checklists, examples, scenarios, and guidance are provided solely for general informational, educational, example, and illustrative purposes. They are not legal, tax, accounting, financial, compliance, or other professional advice; do not create an attorney-client, accountant-client, or other professional relationship; may not reflect the law, rules, or facts applicable to a particular person, school, transaction, or jurisdiction; and should not be relied upon without review by an appropriately licensed local attorney and certified public accountant familiar with the user’s specific circumstances. Users remain responsible for obtaining individualized professional advice and confirming current requirements with applicable schools, governing bodies, and authorities.