The short version: since August 1, 2026, Louisiana state law says high school athletes may earn money from their name, image, and likeness. Before signing, you must tell your school about the deal. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must consent in writing. Some industries are off-limits, and you can't use the school's name, logos, uniforms, or facilities without the school's permission. LHSAA's own rules still apply alongside the law, so talk to your athletic director before you sign.
Two sets of rules
The state law. Louisiana Act 810 of the 2026 Regular Session (House Bill 513) created La. R.S. 17:3705, which applies to high school athletes. According to the bill history, it took effect August 1, 2026. It begins: "An interscholastic athlete may earn compensation for the use of his name, image, and likeness, subject to compliance with the provisions of this Section."
The LHSAA's rules. The Louisiana High School Athletic Association's 2026-2027 Handbook includes a Name, Image, and Likeness Position Statement (Position Statements, p. 175). It says NIL activities "will not jeopardize a student athlete's amateur status if the student athlete complies with LHSAA Bylaw 1.25 on 'Maintaining Amateur Status' as well as all LHSAA Bylaws, policies, and regulations," and that the statement "is subject to and shall be interpreted in accordance with applicable Louisiana law, including Act No. 810."
Bylaw 1.25 itself has not been rewritten for NIL. It still says "No student shall, at any time, receive any salary or financial compensation, except actual expenses," and the penalties LHSAA lists for violating it include suspending the student "from all LHSAA sports for at least one calendar year" (Bylaw 5.11.20). The state law says an athletic association may not declare an athlete ineligible "solely because he earns compensation for the use of his name, image, or likeness." How LHSAA applies Bylaw 1.25 to NIL deals under the new law is a question for LHSAA and your athletic director, not something to guess at. Ask before you sign.
What the state law requires
- Parent or guardian consent if you're under 18. A deal signed by an athlete under 18 "shall be valid only if executed with the written consent of his parent or legal guardian" — R.S. 17:3705(B).
- Tell your school before you sign. "Prior to executing an agreement ... an interscholastic athlete shall disclose the proposed agreement to the high school at which the interscholastic athlete is enrolled in a manner prescribed by the high school" — R.S. 17:3705(G). Each school sets its own process, so ask your athletic director how they want it done.
- No school property without permission. Athletes may not use "a high school's facilities, apparel, equipment, uniforms, or intellectual property, including logos, indicia, registered or unregistered trademarks, or copyrighted materials" for NIL "unless otherwise permitted by the high school" — R.S. 17:3705(F)(3).
Banned categories
High school athletes may not earn NIL money in connection with any of these — R.S. 17:3705(E)(2):
- Adult entertainment
- Alcohol or alcoholic beverages
- Cannabis, cannabinoids, cannabidiol, or other derivatives (the law excludes hemp or hemp products)
- Gaming, gambling, or wagering, including sports wagering
- Controlled dangerous substances
- Drug paraphernalia
- Performance-enhancing drugs or substances, including steroids or human growth hormone
- Tobacco, tobacco products, alternative nicotine products, nicotine vapor products, or similar devices
- Weapons, including firearms and ammunition
What your school can restrict
- A school may bar NIL activity during "academic activities, official team activities, or interscholastic athletic program activities," including class, practice, competition, and team travel — R.S. 17:3705(F)(1).
- A school may bar a deal that "materially conflicts with an existing high school agreement related to interscholastic athletics." If it does, the school must tell you the relevant terms of that agreement — R.S. 17:3705(F)(2) and (G).
What the state law protects
- Schools and athletic associations may not stop you from earning NIL money, "except as otherwise permitted by this Section" — R.S. 17:3705(C)(1).
- You may have an athlete agent or an attorney for NIL matters — R.S. 17:3705(C)(2). LHSAA's position statement also cites Act 895 of 2026 (Senate Bill 389), a separate law on registering and regulating athlete agents.
- "Permissible name, image, and likeness activities include but are not limited to commercial endorsements, promotional activities, social media presence, and product or service advertisements" — R.S. 17:3705(E)(1).
- An athlete harmed by a violation of the section "may bring an action for injunctive relief" — R.S. 17:3705(J).
Thinking about college?
LHSAA's position statement warns that following its rules "does not ensure maintenance of eligibility under the eligibility standards of other governing athletic organizations (e.g. NCAA, NAIA, NJCAA, national sport governing bodies, etc.)." If you're being recruited, check those rules too.
A checklist for Louisiana athletes
- Ask your athletic director how your school wants NIL deals disclosed, and whether LHSAA has issued any guidance, before you sign.
- If you're under 18, get a parent's or guardian's written consent on the agreement itself.
- Keep school logos, uniforms, gear, and facilities out of the deal unless the school says yes in writing.
- Check the sponsor against the banned list above.
- Get the deal in writing. Our NIL contracts guide explains what to look for, and our guide to taxes on NIL income covers what to set aside.
Once your school has signed off on how disclosure works, you can create a profile and browse opportunities from local businesses. Check each one against the rules above before you accept.