The landscape of high school sports is evolving rapidly, with high school athletes being cleared to profit from their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). If you’re a business lawyer, entertainment law expert, involved in sports law, or just interested in the sports landscape, here’s what you need to know about NIL in Florida high schools and how top athletes can potentially profit.
On June 4, 2024, the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Board of Directors unanimously approved an update to Bylaw 9.9, which includes provisions for NIL. This change allows student-athletes to potentially benefit from their name, image, and likeness. The Florida State Board of Education ratified the bylaw changes in July 2024, stating in a press release “Students will be able to now utilize their hard-earned money for college tuition, housing and food once they graduate … the FHSAA will provide specific instructions to schools” Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz said in a July meeting.
Top High School Athletes like Cameron Boozer, the #1 high school basketball prospect in the country, who plays for Christopher Columbus High School (CCHS) in Miami, is an example of a player who could potentially cash in. Boozer won the Gatorade National Player of the Year in 2023, after leading Columbus to back to back State Championships. Under the new NIL guidelines, Boozer could sign endorsement deals, promote products on social media, and leverage his significant following to earn money – while still in high school. This change not only opens up financial opportunities for Boozer but also sets a precedent for other high school athletes aiming to benefit from their personal brands. Florida is a hotbed of top high school recruits in various sports, and the new change to NIL will likely have a significant impact in the years to come. Critically what is not permitted are Florida high schools, NIL collectives, and boosters offering NIL deals to try and recruit student-athletes from other schools. NIL on the high school level has been a topic of conversation for several years, and Florida is leading the way on this issue.
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