The short version: Oklahoma high school athletes can earn money from their name, image, and likeness, as long as the deal stays away from anything that belongs to the school, the money comes from a real business, and any deal worth $200 or more is reported to the school within 14 days.
These rules come from the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association (OSSAA). Everything quoted below is from the OSSAA NIL Policy, 2026-2027 and the 2026-27 NIL Disclosure Form, both linked from OSSAA's NIL page.
What's allowed
OSSAA: "Student-athletes may earn compensation from Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities, provided that none of the following are used in connection with any NIL agreement or service." The list is below. In practice that means endorsements, social media posts, appearances and similar deals with a business are allowed if they follow these rules.
Keep the school out of it
An NIL deal may not use any of these:
- School logos
- School-issued uniforms
- School facilities — including photos or videos that show them
- School awards or honors, or OSSAA awards or honors
- The school name or school mascot
- Spirit wear that identifies the school
Footage: "School Game footage or practice recordings may not be used in any NIL promotional activities." Video of yourself training at a school facility is also out — OSSAA says "Not at the school site or in any recognizable school gear." Footage from club or other non-school activities is allowed "as long as it stays within other guidelines."
NIL marketplaces: schools may use an NIL marketplace, and you may wear school-issued attire in your profile photo or promotional content on the platform. But "school-issued attire may not be worn while the student-athlete is performing the actual NIL service or activity."
Who can pay you — and who can't
"NIL compensation must come from legitimate third-party commercial entities operating for a valid business purpose. Collectives and booster-funded pools are prohibited under this policy."
"School Actors" may not provide "any direct or indirect benefit to student-athletes," and may not "assist in arranging, negotiating, facilitating, or securing NIL agreements." OSSAA defines School Actors as "including but not limited to" coaches, athletic directors, school administrators, teachers, school employees, booster club members, "Donors who have donated money to the school within the past 10 years," and "Anyone acting on behalf of the school."
One exception: a school employee may help with an NIL agreement for a student who is their own immediate family member or someone they are the legal guardian of.
Other restrictions
- No recruiting with NIL. "NIL opportunities or endorsements may not be offered or used as an inducement to influence a student's attendance or enrollment at a member school." OSSAA treats this as a violation of its Rule 9 (recruiting).
- Restricted industries. Athletes may not promote "restricted industries or activities, including but not limited to gambling, alcohol, tobacco, firearms, adult entertainment, or any banned substance or unlawful activity." That list is not complete, so if a sponsor is in a gray area, ask first.
- School comes first. "NIL activities may not disrupt or interfere with the instructional school day or a student's academic responsibilities."
The $200 disclosure rule
"Student-athletes who receive $200 or more in compensation related to Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) activities must submit a completed disclosure form to school administration within fourteen (14) days. Local school districts may impose more restrictive disclosure requirements." The policy doesn't say exactly when the 14 days start, so file as soon as you're paid — and ask your school whether it has stricter rules.
The disclosure form goes to your athletic director. It asks for the deal, the dates, any agency representing you, the type of deal, whether you were paid in cash or trade (free products or services count), and the value. Both the student and a parent sign it, and you must "include proof of execution of the deal and any contracts."
What happens if a deal breaks the rules
OSSAA says any discipline "will be aligned with OSSAA Rules and Board Policies," including "Rule 5 (Amateurism) and Rule 9 (Recruiting)." The policy doesn't list specific penalties, but those rules govern eligibility, so a deal that breaks the policy can put an athlete's eligibility at risk — not just the deal.
The policy doesn't set a minimum age for NIL deals. Because most high school athletes are minors, have a parent or guardian involved in every deal from the start.
A checklist for Oklahoma athletes
- Check the deal for anything school-related: logos, uniforms, facilities in the background, the school name or mascot, game or practice video.
- Make sure the business paying you is a real business, not a collective, a booster, or anyone connected to your school.
- Get the deal in writing. Our NIL contracts guide explains what to look for.
- If it's worth $200 or more, fill out the disclosure form with a parent and turn it in to your athletic director within 14 days, with a copy of the contract.
- OSSAA also "recommends that student-athletes and their families seek professional guidance as to how NIL activities could impact their collegiate eligibility, collegiate financial aid, and/or tax obligations." Our guide to taxes on NIL income is a good place to start.
Ready to find a deal that fits these rules? Create your profile or browse open opportunities from local businesses — and check each one against the list above before you accept.