High school athlete building an NIL brand partnership

Hustle Gear NIL opportunities

Build your name.
Protect your game.

High school and college athletes can turn their story, audience and performance into real brand opportunities—but the eligibility rules are different. Start with the checker below before you sign a deal.

Check my eligibility

NIL eligibility checker

Start with your athlete level

High school and college athletes follow different NIL rules. Choose your level first, then your state for the right guidance.

Step 1 · Athlete level

Check manually with the Framework state NIL tracker and the NFHS state association directory. Rules can change, and your school or governing association makes the final eligibility decision.

The key difference

College NIL is broadly available. High school NIL is state-by-state.

College athletes are generally eligible to pursue NIL, but that is not blanket approval for every partnership. High school athletes face a separate patchwork of association and school rules that can change by location.

State-by-state

High school athletes

  • Eligibility depends on your state athletic association, school policy and any applicable state law.
  • Some states allow NIL with conditions, while others restrict or prohibit it for high school athletes.
  • Do not use school marks, facilities, uniforms or team activities unless you have written permission.
  • If you are under 18, involve a parent or guardian and have every agreement reviewed before signing.

Generally eligible

College athletes

  • NCAA student-athletes may generally earn compensation from legitimate NIL activities while continuing to compete.
  • The agreement must involve real promotional work, a valid business purpose and reasonable compensation.
  • NIL cannot be disguised pay-for-play or payment simply to attend, remain at or compete for a school.
  • School, conference, governing-body and state requirements still apply. Division I athletes may have additional reporting and review duties.

A legitimate opportunity

What an NIL deal should include

NIL means a brand pays for the commercial use of your identity—such as content, appearances or endorsements. The agreement should make the work and compensation clear.

Defined deliverables

A written description of the posts, appearances, content or other work you will provide.

Clear compensation

The amount, payment schedule and any products or services included in the deal.

Disclosure plan

Any school, conference, association or NIL Go reporting steps that apply to you.

Usage boundaries

How long and where the brand may use your name, image, likeness and content.

Ready to be considered for Hustle Gear NIL opportunities?

Use the eligibility checker, select “Yes, I’m interested,” and complete your athlete profile. Submission does not guarantee a partnership.

Check eligibility

This page provides general educational information, not legal, tax or eligibility advice. Rules change. Confirm your situation with your school, governing association or compliance office before entering an agreement.