NIL Guidance for High School Families
At POLARIS Student Athlete Consulting, we understand that the evolving Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) landscape can feel overwhelming for student athletes and their families. That’s why we provide professional guidance and education to help families prepare early, make informed decisions, and confidently navigate this new era of college athletics. From personal branding to compliance education and long-term development, POLARIS is a trusted partner on the journey toward NIL readiness.
With our roots in professional school counseling and college counseling, we take a student-centered approach that connects each student athlete with opportunities that align with their interests and strengths, while focusing on their long-term professional goals.
NIL opportunities are changing the landscape of college sports—and high school parents need to keep up. These opportunities can affect your child’s athletic journey long before their ceremonious signing day, and staying informed is essential.
Currently, Texas high school student athletes are prohibited from profiting from their NIL under state law. According to the Texas Education Code, no NIL agreements may be made with prospective student athletes until they enroll in college. However, change may be on the horizon. Two bills (HB 2211 and HB 3224) are pending in the Texas Legislature. If passed, they would allow high school athletes to profit from NIL under certain conditions, such as age requirements, academic eligibility, and restrictions on endorsing certain products like alcohol or tobacco.
Regardless of the current rules, there are key steps every family should take to prepare:
Know Your State and School Policies: Rules vary widely. In some states, high school NIL is allowed; in others, it isn’t. Stay up to date with legislation in Texas and at prospective schools of interest.
Prioritize Personal Branding: Help your student athlete build an authentic, positive online presence. Many NIL opportunities favor athletes with strong character, leadership qualities, and responsible social media use.
Think Beyond the Deal: NIL is about more than money. It’s about developing life skills. Financial literacy, contract awareness, and smart decision-making to name a few. All things that can serve student athletes well beyond sports.
At POLARIS, we believe NIL preparation is about building confidence, character, and clarity for the road ahead. We encourage our student athletes to think big picture as we position them for long-term success via our actionable approach. Our team helps student athletes and their families develop a strong foundation in branding, compliance, communication, and life readiness. The NIL marketplace will continue to evolve, but with the right support and education, your family doesn’t have to navigate it alone.