The state of amateur athletics is changing rapidly, with college athletes able to profit off of their name, image, and likeness (NIL) to the tune of millions of dollars in some cases. Now, some Texas lawmakers want to extend that right to high school athletes in the Lone Star State. Two bills are pending in the Texas House to allow high school athletes to profit off of NIL. HB 2211 would require athletes be 18, have good grades, and prohibit endorsements for things like alcohol, tobacco, and gambling. HB 3224 has similar requirements, except it would extend eligibility all the way down to high school freshmen.
Supporters of this legislation argue it is a free market principle, similar to how companies are now recruiting high school students in skilled trades. But those involved in college athletics and NIL believe it may be a bridge too far. "I don't think it will happen," says Brent Chapman, NCAA expert and CEO of the app myNILpay. "Texas has gone out of its way over the years to protect public school sports, and if you allow NIL (in high school), private schools can then buy players...and I do not think that is what the state of Texas wants at this point."
Aside from the competitive issues between public and private schools, this legislation would likely drive the growing youth sports pipeline down to an even younger age. "You've got camps now for kids as young as third, fourth, and fifth grade, and I'm talking for all positions," says Chapman. "They've got these All-American camps, which parents spend thousands on...it has become a major business."
"This is gonna continue to drive the business for the companies trying to get these kids into the system at a younger age," he continues. "Being able to pay them for endorsements and sponsorships is just going to fuel that even more."
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