Montana High School NIL Checklist

Governing body: Montana High School Association (MHSA) · Effective Approved Jan 2025; not yet live

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

Heads up: Not yet in effect — verify current status.

Key rules — Montana

• •Bylaw approved but contingent on legislative concurrence
• •No MHSA/school involvement, venue, or branded apparel
• •No school/booster/collective compensation
• •Prohibited: alcohol, tobacco, vaping, controlled substances, gambling

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