NIL Contracts For High School Athletes | Legal Guide for Parents

admin June 24, 2025

The world of high school sports is changing fast, and it’s no longer just about college scholarships. Thanks to evolving Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) laws, high school athletes in many states, including Florida, can now earn money from endorsements, sponsorships, and personal branding.

But when minors are signing deals worth thousands—or even millions—of dollars, serious legal questions follow. Who controls the money? Are the contracts enforceable? What if a brand exploits the athlete?

At Elevate Legal Services, we help student-athletes and their families navigate NIL contracts with confidence. If your child is being approached for a NIL deal, here’s what you need to know before signing anything. Contact us today to learn more about NIL contracts for high school athletes.

Can High School Athletes Legally Sign NIL Deals?

In Florida, yes—as of July 1, 2021, state law allows college athletes to monetize their NIL. Some Florida high schools have now followed suit under FHSAA guidelines. However, the rules are still evolving, and not all deals are created equal.

Important distinctions:

Some high schools limit NIL activity during school-sponsored events
Athletes may be restricted from using school logos, uniforms, or facilities in promotional content
NCAA rules still apply once the athlete moves to the collegiate level

Bottom line: It’s legal—but heavily regulated, especially when minors are involved.

Do Parents Have to Sign NIL Agreements for Minors?

Yes. In most cases, minors (under 18) cannot enter into binding contracts without parental or guardian consent. If your child is signing an endorsement deal, you’ll likely be asked to co-sign or serve as a party to the contract.

But here’s the catch: Just because you’re allowed to sign it doesn’t mean you should.

NIL contracts often include:

Long-term usage rights to the athlete’s image
Revenue splits that may disadvantage the athlete
Waivers that limit legal recourse
Exclusivity clauses that prevent other deals

An NIL attorney can ensure the agreement protects your child—not the brand.

How Should NIL Money Be Handled for Minors?

In Florida, there are no standardized rules yet for how NIL earnings must be held for high school athletes. However, best practices include:

Creating a trust account or UTMA/UGMA account to manage funds
Appointing a parent or guardian as a temporary custodian
Consulting a financial advisor to plan for taxes and future use
Avoiding early spending or gifting, which can raise IRS or FAFSA concerns

In some cases, parents may be held responsible for mismanaging NIL funds.

What Risks Should Parents Watch Out For?

The NIL world is booming—but it’s also filled with unregulated agents, amateur “marketers,” and shady businesses looking to exploit young athletes.

Common red flags:

Pressure to sign quickly without legal review
Promises of easy money in exchange for exclusivity
Contracts with vague deliverables or payment terms
Lack of a clear exit clause

If your child is being recruited or already getting attention online, now is the time to establish a legal strategy.

What an NIL Attorney Can Do for You

At Elevate Legal Services, we provide:

Review and negotiation of NIL agreements
Parent-child legal representation to ensure mutual protection
Long-term guidance on brand-building and compliance
Dispute resolution if problems arise with a sponsor or promoter

Whether your athlete is on a D1 track or building a TikTok sports brand, we make sure the deals are smart, legal, and fair.

Explore our full NIL legal services here.

Final Thoughts: NIL Is an Opportunity—But Also a Legal Minefield

For families, NIL contracts for high school athletes can be life-changing. But they can also be predatory, binding, and damaging without the right legal safeguards in place. As a parent, you’re not just a supporter—you’re your child’s first line of defense.