Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) Benefits Could Be Coming to Pennsylvania High School Athletes

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Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) Benefits Could Be Coming to Pennsylvania High School Athletes

Payment to high school athletes for their Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) could be coming to Pennsylvania. The governing body for scholastic sports in the state, known as the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA), passed an initial reading on Wednesday that will allow athletes to make money from commercial endorsements and promotional activities.

The NIL program in the Keystone State must pass two more readings to be official, which means it is likely to take effect for the 2023-24 school year. There will be restrictions placed upon the athletes when taking part in an NIL activity. They will not be allowed to wear their school uniforms, nor will the activity be allowed to reference the PIAA or the athlete’s school or team name. Limitations will also be placed on what athletes can endorse, with alcohol, gambling and firearms among the restrictions.

“We really need to probably get ahead of this and address it and put some parameters in place to guide students and their families so that they’re educated and they know what they’re getting into,” Melissa Mertz, the PIAA Assistant Executive Director, told WGAL.com.

NIL benefits were long sought at the college level and athletes around the country are now cashing in on their names, with deals signed with a variety of companies – local and national. In the sport of swimming, the most prominent NIL deals have been between swimmers and swimsuit companies.

High school swimming in Pennsylvania is typically among the best in the country.

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PIAA is a joke
PIAA is a joke
1 year ago

This makes me nervous for high school sports. NIL for college – absolutely. HS though? Just don’t think it’s appropriate. These STUDENT athletes are not even adults yet. And PIAA better pay closer attention to City schools on this than they do with transfers/recruiting issue.

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