Michigan closer to approving NIL for high school athletes

Michigan could become the 35th state to allow high school student-athletes to profit off of their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL).

Last week, the Michigan House passed a bill that would prohibit athletic associations and schools from not allowing student-athletes to participate in NIL opportunities. The Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) has been working with Michigan lawmakers to develop a bill that supports both student-athletes and high school administrators.

A recent story from On3.com detailed what the NIL deal could look like for MHSAA student-athletes.

Below is an excerpt from the On3.com story.

“Representative Wilson was very receptive to our ideas and what we felt most strongly about, in terms of what would be workable in the framework of high school athletics and what would not be,” Geoff Kimmerly, the Communications Director for the MHSAA told Fox 17 in Grand Rapids.

According to the bill, it would bar boosters or alumni groups from pooling money to form a collective to provide entire teams with NIL deals or to draw students to a certain high school. The bill also requires parental consent and the disclosure and recording of all deals with the MHSAA to track the implementation of the law better.

Plus, the legislation prohibits students from entering NIL deals requiring them to wear or promote a specific sponsor or item during official team activities. It also would bar certain contracts, such as ones with alcohol or adult entertainment companies. High schools could also “identify or assist” with potential NIL deals under the bill, but the school or school representative could not serve as an agent or receive compensation related to the deal.

“If a high school athlete gains recognition for their outstanding talent, they should have the opportunity to get compensated from that popularity,” Wilson told Fox 2 in Detroit. “It doesn’t come easy, and it sure is earned. I am happy I could spearhead my bill, and I am hopeful for its progression in the Senate.”

Many of those guidelines mirror policies in place with other high school associations across the country. But nonetheless, it’s interesting that lawmakers collaborated with the local high school association to formulate the bill.

The legislation moves to the Senate, but multiple sources told On3 there is no timetable for a vote in that chamber.

To read the full story from On3.com about the MHSAA allowing NIL opportunities, click here.