The college football landscape continues to make unprecedented changes by integrating NIL (name, image, and likeness) circa 2021. Player compensation at the amateur level finally opened the door for college football’s elite-level performers to earn a share of the revenue their talents brought to their respective universities and conferences. However, after an unprecedented state-level move on Tuesday, NIL will now leak into the high school level in Florida.
In a landmark move, the Florida High School Athletic Association Board of Directors passed a bylaw allowing student-athletes to ink NIL deals without losing eligibility. Under previous rules, Florida HS athletes could not earn player compensation and remain eligible to compete within the Florida High School Athletic Association.
Florida: Top Athletes to Thrive with NIL
Florida, known as one of the top states in the country for high school talent, will open the door for NIL deals during the 2024-25 season. According to ESPN’s Top 100 basketball recruits in the class of 2025, ten reside in Florida, including Cameron and Cayden Boozer, the sons of former NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer. Florida also houses some of the best talent in high school football.
The class of 2025 is headlined by two five-star recruits, Florida State commit and linebacker Solomon Thomas and Zephyrhills, FL native D.J. Pickett. At the team level, Chaminade-Madonna, IMG Academy, St. Thomas Aquinas, Cocoa, Berkeley Prep, Norland, Miami Central, and Lakeland finished last season among the country’s top 25 high school football programs per NFL Play Football.
NEWS: The Florida High School Athletic Association Board of Directors passed sweeping bylaw changes on Tuesday that allow NIL activities for student-athletes without forfeiting the ability to play high school sports.@JeremyCrabtree reports: https://t.co/Bswpnc3V2b pic.twitter.com/Mvr0xebqZ0
— On3 NIL (@On3NIL) June 4, 2024
Florida has a reputation for not only holding star-level talent in football and basketball but also producing professional talent across all sports. Hall of Fame MLB talents Zack Greinke and Manny Machado played their high school ball in Florida, while two-time Masters champ Bubba Watson shined at Milton High School.
Florida Name, Image, and Likeness Rules
With the move on Tuesday, Florida becomes the 36th local athletic association to allow name, image, and likeness deals at the high school level. Florida HS student-athletes must negotiate NIL deals without the association of their respective high school in any fashion but can earn compensation through their separate entity. The Florida High School Athletic Association Board of Directors advises student-athletes to gain legal counsel when participating in an NIL collective.
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