What are the high school NIL rules in California?

No school uniform, mascot, insignia, or affiliation. Schools/boosters/coaches can’t facilitate deals (illegal inducement). Schools may restrict vice categories (alcohol, gambling, adult). Athletes must report deals; some schools require pre-approval.

← All states & NIL Flow

High School NIL

California

Q: Can high school athletes do NIL deals in California?

California: NIL Allowed. Governed by California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) (effective 2021 (CIF Bylaw 212)). No school uniform, mascot, insignia, or affiliation.

NIL Allowed

California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) · Effective 2021 (CIF Bylaw 212)

Last reviewed July 1, 2026

Key rules

›No school uniform, mascot, insignia, or affiliation
›Schools/boosters/coaches can’t facilitate deals (illegal inducement)
›Schools may restrict vice categories (alcohol, gambling, adult)
›Athletes must report deals; some schools require pre-approval

✓Printable California NIL checklistRules + sign-off checklist, one page — print or save as PDF

View NIL source →California athletic handbookOfficial PDF · opens in new tab

Before you sign — anywhere

› Disclose the deal to your school/AD within your state's window (often 3–14 days).
› No school logos, uniforms, or facilities. No pay tied to performance.
› NIL income is taxable self-employment income — even paid in free gear.
› Get contracts reviewed. For small deals, a flat-fee attorney beats an agent's cut.

Read the full parent playbook →