The Hoosier State is about to change the game for its high school athletes. In a landmark decision, the Indiana High School Athletics Association (IHSAA) board voted 13-5 to approve "personal branding activities," allowing student-athletes to sign name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals starting with the 2026-27 school year.

This move marks a significant shift for Indiana, which was one of the last holdouts in the nation. With this vote, the state becomes the 46th—along with the District of Columbia—to permit high school NIL deals. While some states still impose restrictions, Indiana's decision signals a growing acceptance of NIL rights at the prep level.

Under the new rule, athletes can now monetize their personal brands through endorsements, provided the deals don't involve school representation or prohibited products like gambling, alcohol, or banned substances. The key distinction? Schools themselves won't be arranging or funding these deals. Instead, athletes can benefit independently—without using school logos or implying school-sponsored endorsements.

"Unlike the current college system, where schools often play a direct role in NIL compensation, the new rule keeps high schools out of arranging or funding deals for student-athletes," said IHSAA commissioner Paul Neidig. "It allows students to benefit independently from their school, without using school branding or representing school-sponsored endorsements. It creates a clear distinction between the college model and the educational mission of high school athletics."

Neidig emphasized the proactive approach behind the decision. "We believe it is far better to be proactive and create thoughtful, education-based guidelines than to have policies forced upon high school athletics. This approach allows us to protect the values of high school sports while adapting responsibly to a changing landscape."

For young athletes in Indiana, this opens up exciting new opportunities to build their personal brands early—whether through local partnerships, social media endorsements, or community sponsorships. As NIL continues to reshape the sports world, Indiana's move ensures its student-athletes won't be left on the sidelines.