Ohio Lawmaker Proposes Ban on High School NIL Deals

Dec 25, 2025, 2:37 AM

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Ohio State Representative Adam Bird has announced plans to introduce legislation aimed at banning high school athletes from profiting from name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals. This proposal comes in response to a recent decision by the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) that allows such agreements, making Ohio the 45th state to permit NIL compensation for high school athletes.

Bird, a Republican from New Richmond, expressed concerns that NIL deals could undermine the core values of high school sports, which he believes should focus on character development, discipline, and teamwork rather than financial gain. "High school sports should be about teaching health and fitness, social connection, discipline, work ethic, character development, leadership, communication skills," Bird stated. He emphasized that the introduction of money into high school athletics could detract from these educational goals.

The OHSAA's decision to allow NIL deals was made following a vote in which 447 member schools supported the measure, while 121 opposed it, and 247 abstained. This vote was expedited due to a temporary restraining order issued by a Franklin County judge, which blocked the enforcement of previous restrictions on NIL deals. The judge's ruling was prompted by a lawsuit filed by the family of a high school athlete, arguing that the ban was unconstitutional and had already cost their son significant potential earnings.

Bird criticized the OHSAA's decision, suggesting that it was influenced by a single court ruling rather than a comprehensive evaluation of the implications for student-athletes. He believes that the pressure associated with NIL contracts could negatively impact students' mental health, citing a study that found suicide rates among NCAA athletes have doubled over the past two decades, making it the second-leading cause of death in that demographic.

While supporters of NIL argue that high school athletes deserve the opportunity to profit from their talents, Bird contends that such opportunities should be pursued outside of the high school environment, such as in professional leagues or Olympic competitions. "If you're so talented that you can earn money on what God has gifted you, go earn money somewhere else," he remarked, reinforcing his stance against NIL deals in high schools.

The OHSAA has implemented certain restrictions to mitigate potential abuses associated with NIL deals, such as prohibiting direct payments to athletes and ensuring that existing transfer and recruiting rules remain in effect. However, Bird believes these measures do not go far enough to protect student-athletes from the pressures of commercialization.

Bird plans to introduce the bill in early 2026, with hopes that it could pass both chambers of the legislature by the end of June. If successful, the legislation would take effect 90 days after being signed by the governor, potentially reversing the OHSAA's recent policy change before the next school year begins. He has expressed confidence in convincing his colleagues to support the bill, arguing that the legislature should have a say in such significant decisions rather than leaving them to the judicial branch.

In response to Bird's proposal, OHSAA officials have stated that they will continue to monitor the situation while operating under the newly approved NIL bylaw. They have acknowledged the complexities and challenges that come with implementing NIL deals at the high school level, particularly given the ongoing legal disputes surrounding the issue.

As Ohio navigates this new landscape of high school athletics, the debate over NIL deals is likely to continue, with significant implications for student-athletes, schools, and the future of high school sports in the state. The outcome of Bird's proposed legislation and the ongoing legal challenges will play a crucial role in shaping the direction of NIL policies in Ohio's high schools in the coming years.

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