Two Oregon high school athletes make history as first to sign deals for their name, image and likeness. On July 1, 2021, the NCAA enacted the name, image, and likeness (NIL) policy. Under this legislation, student-athletes are free to enter into any endorsement deals pertaining to their name, image, and likeness they see fit; allowing college students in all states to receive financial compensation for their NIL. The OSAA recently amended its rules allowing high school athletes to profit from their name, image and likeness.
Last week Jackson Shelstad, basketball player from West Linn High School, and Jesuit High School basketball star Sofia Bell each signed NIL deals with a Portland company. Oregon is now one of about 20 states in the country that allow high school students to profit off their name, image and likeness.
NIL deals provide the following guidance to college athletes, recruits, their families and member schools:
-Individuals can engage in NIL activities that are consistent with the law of the state where the school is located. Colleges and universities may be a resource for state law questions.
-College athletes who attend a school in a state without an NIL law can engage in this type of activity without violating NCAA rules related to name, image and likeness.
-Individuals can use a professional services provider for NIL activities.
-Student-athletes should report NIL activities consistent with state law or school and conference requirements to their school.
No longer just college athletes, it’s was left up to local bodies to decide what they wanted to do in addition to the NCAA policy. OSAA decided that it’s amended rules will allow high school athletes to profit from their name, image and likeness as well. The Oregon School Activities Association clarified its rules around NIL earlier this month.
Last week the OSAA voted to amend its rules, clarifying that its now okay for students in Oregon to do that.
“It’s a change, that’s for sure, it’s a big change,” said OSAA Executive Director Peter Weber. He clarified that students can’t feature their school’s name or logo in products they endorse and there are restrictions on payment.
