Illinois High School NIL Checklist

Governing body: Illinois High School Association (IHSA) · Effective 2023

Last reviewed July 1, 2026 · Printed July 18, 2026

Key rules — Illinois

• •Pay can’t be performance-based
• •No IHSA/member-school names, logos, or implied endorsement
• •No NIL activity during school hours, travel, or IHSA events/practices
• •Prohibited: gambling, alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, banned substances, adult, firearms

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.

Sign-off checklist

• Read the state rules above with your athlete before signing anything
• Confirmed the deal has no school logos, mascots, or facility use
• Confirmed payment is not tied to performance, wins, or transferring
• Disclosed the deal to the athletic director in writing, on time
• Kept a copy of the signed contract and all deal correspondence
• Set aside 25–30% of any payment (cash or fair-market value of gear) for taxes