HOUSTON, Texas – Two significant bills are making their way through the Texas legislature, aiming to give high school athletes the ability to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL).
This change mirrors recent developments at the college level, where athletes have started to benefit financially from their personal brands.
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House Bill 2211 will allow high school athletes participating in University Interscholastic League (UIL) activities to earn compensation for their name, image, and likeness.
This bill applies to both public and private primary and secondary schools involved in UIL activities. Eligible students can earn money from their name, image, or likeness when they are not engaged in official league activities. They can also hire professional representation, such as an attorney, to help with contracts related to their NIL rights.
To qualify, students must be at least 18 years old, meet specific grade requirements, and follow UIL rules. The UIL and schools cannot create policies that prevent students from earning compensation.
However, there are restrictions on the types of endorsements allowed. For instance, students cannot endorse alcohol, tobacco, or gambling products.
The UIL is required to implement rules that ensure students receive education on financial literacy and life skills, preparing them for managing their money.
House Bill 3224 is similar but has a slightly different focus regarding eligibility.
Like HB 2211, this bill applies to public and private secondary schools participating in UIL activities. It grants students the same rights to earn compensation for their name, image, and likeness when not engaged in official league activities, along with the ability to seek professional representation.
This bill, though, expands eligibility to students in the ninth grade and above, making it accessible to younger athletes.
Similar to HB 2211, it prohibits endorsements for certain products and ensures that compensation cannot be used to influence student transfers or enrollments.
This bill also mandates financial literacy and life skills education for participating students.
Both bills will give high school athletes in Texas the chance to monetize their personal brands while ensuring they are educated on managing their finances.
As these bills move through the Texas legislature, they could change the landscape of high school sports in Texas, allowing young athletes to benefit from their hard work and dedication.
