High School NIL Rights Under Fire: How a New Lawsuit Could Change Everything for Young Athletes

The world of high school sports is rapidly evolving, and with it, the debate surrounding Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights for young athletes is intensifying. A recent lawsuit filed in California is poised to challenge the existing restrictions on high school athletes’ ability to profit from their personal brand, potentially reshaping the landscape of amateur athletics across the nation. As of 2025, 41 states and the District of Columbia have established guidelines allowing high school athletes to benefit financially from their NIL. However, the limitations and outright prohibitions in some states are now facing legal scrutiny, raising critical questions about fairness, antitrust laws, and the future of high school sports.

The Rise of NIL in High School Sports

The NCAA’s decision in 2021 to allow college athletes to profit from their NIL marked a turning point in amateur sports. This decision quickly rippled down to the high school level, with many states enacting laws to permit student-athletes to monetize their name, image, and likeness without jeopardizing their eligibility. This shift has opened up new avenues for income for young athletes, allowing them to secure endorsement deals, monetize social media platforms, and sign with marketing agents. For many, this represents a potentially life-changing financial opportunity, easing financial pressures on families, covering training costs, or providing savings for future education.

However, the introduction of NIL rights in high school sports is not without its challenges. The landscape of NIL regulations varies significantly from state to state, creating a patchwork of rules that athletes, families, and schools must navigate. Some states have embraced NIL wholeheartedly, while others maintain strict prohibitions or limitations. This inconsistency raises concerns about equity and fairness, as athletes in some states have far greater opportunities to profit from their NIL than those in others.

The Calhoun v. CIF Lawsuit: A Potential Game-Changer

Dominik Calhoun, a former California high school football and track athlete, has filed a class-action lawsuit against the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), challenging the organization’s restrictions on NIL earnings and transfer policies. The lawsuit alleges that these restrictions violate antitrust laws by preventing athletes from receiving compensation tied to broadcast rights, sponsorships, and ticket sales. It also challenges CIF’s transfer rules, which limit athlete mobility and earning potential.

Calhoun’s lawsuit argues that CIF’s policies harm high school student-athletes who create the economic value exploited by the CIF, its sections, member schools, and their commercial partners. The lawsuit seeks to change CIF’s rules and seeks “treble damages” as requested in antitrust cases. If successful, this lawsuit could set a national precedent, similar to that in college sports, that restrictions on athlete compensation and player movement are largely indefensible in court.

Key Arguments and Potential Outcomes

The Calhoun v. CIF lawsuit raises several key legal and ethical questions:

Antitrust Violations: Does CIF’s restrictions on NIL earnings and transfer policies constitute an unreasonable restraint of trade in violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act?
Fairness and Equity: Do these restrictions unfairly prevent high school athletes from being compensated for their hard work and the use of their name, image, and likeness, while others profit from them?
Amateurism vs. Commercialism: How can high school sports maintain their amateur status while allowing athletes to profit from their NIL?

If Calhoun wins the lawsuit, the ripple effects could extend across the country, reshaping how high school athletes monetize their fame. It could force governing bodies to modernize policies that are increasingly out of step with a billion-dollar NIL era. The outcome could determine whether tomorrow’s stars can benefit from their market value today or remain sidelined while others profit.

The Complexities of High School NIL

Even in states where NIL is permitted, high school athletes face numerous restrictions and challenges. Most states prohibit athletes from:

Referring to or including their school’s uniforms, logos, colors, or facilities in their NIL activities.
Partnering with gambling, alcohol, tobacco, weapons, firearms, ammunition, and other adult categories of brands.
Entering into deals that conflict with their school’s values or policies.

These restrictions aim to protect the integrity of high school sports and prevent the exploitation of young athletes. However, they also limit the potential earning power of these athletes and create a complex web of rules that can be difficult to navigate.

Navigating the NIL Landscape: Advice for Young Athletes and Their Families

For high school athletes and their families considering NIL opportunities, it is crucial to proceed with caution and seek professional guidance. Here are some key considerations:

Understand State and Local Regulations: Familiarize yourself with the specific NIL rules and regulations in your state and school district.
Seek Legal Counsel: Consult with an attorney experienced in NIL law to review any potential endorsement deals or contracts. An attorney can help you understand your rights, identify potential risks, and negotiate favorable terms.
Protect Your Eligibility: Ensure that any NIL activities comply with NCAA eligibility rules to avoid jeopardizing your future college athletic career.
Manage Your Brand: Develop a professional and responsible online presence. Be mindful of the content you post on social media, as it can impact your marketability and reputation.
Prioritize Education: Remember that academics should always be your top priority. Do not let NIL activities distract you from your studies or negatively impact your academic performance.
Be Aware of Potential Pitfalls: Be wary of scams and exploitative deals. Do not sign any contract without fully understanding its terms and implications.
Consider the Long-Term Impact: Think about how NIL activities might affect your future career prospects, both in and out of sports.

The Future of High School NIL

The legal battles and ongoing debates surrounding high school NIL rights highlight the need for a more consistent and comprehensive approach to regulating these activities. As NIL continues to evolve, it is essential for state athletic associations, schools, and lawmakers to work together to create clear, fair, and enforceable rules that protect the interests of young athletes while preserving the integrity of high school sports.

The outcome of the Calhoun v. CIF lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for the future of high school NIL. A ruling in favor of Calhoun could open the door for greater commercialization of high school sports, while a ruling in favor of CIF could maintain the status quo and limit the earning potential of young athletes.

Regardless of the outcome, it is clear that the debate over high school NIL rights is far from over. As more and more young athletes seek to capitalize on their personal brand, the legal and ethical questions surrounding NIL will only become more complex and pressing.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you have questions about high school NIL rights, you should consult with an attorney.