Hey Future All-Stars, Brand-Builders, and NIL Families,
We hope everyone is getting a chance to enjoy their holiday breakβwhether you're a student-athlete recovering from a grueling fall season, a parent catching your breath between games and school events, or a coach finally getting some well-deserved downtime.
This is the last newsletter of the year. Now, we know what you're thinking: "Didn't they say that last week?" And you'd be right. But frankly... we got ahead of ourselves. Some important developments dropped this week that we couldn't let slide into 2026 without giving you the breakdown.
So consider this your bonus edition a gift πfrom the NIL Navigator crew before we close out what's been an absolutely transformative year in the NIL space. Let's dive in.
Congress Stalled Again: What It Means for Your Family
Here's the headline that didn't make your holiday dinner conversation, but probably should have: The House pulled a major NIL bill from a planned floor vote on December 24th after GOP defections and unified Democratic opposition. Translation? We're heading into 2026 with no federal NIL clarity β¦ again.
For families planning your athlete's NIL journey, this means the patchwork of state laws, school policies, and House v. NCAA settlement frameworks remain your operating reality. Don't wait for Congress to "fix" anything, they've been saying "soon" since 2021.
π§ Navigator Insight: Planning still has to be done around school policies, state law, and the revenue-sharing/clearinghouse rules that are already in effect, not hypothetical federal standards. The athletes who understand the current rules win; those waiting for Congress lose valuable time.
The Damon Wilson Lawsuit: A Contract Warning Every Family Needs
This is truly the thread of the least fee months it feels like⦠If you need a real-world example of why contract literacy matters, look no further than Missouri edge rusher Damon Wilson. He's now countersuing Georgia over an NIL-related transfer portal dispute after Georgia first sued him for nearly $400,000 linked to an NIL agreement he signed as a Bulldog.
The Hard Truth:
Multi-year NIL contracts can follow your athlete even after they transfer or de-commit
"Change of heart" is NOT a legal exit strategy
Families need contract language that clearly addresses transfer, termination, and repayment obligations BEFORE signing
β οΈ Warning: This case demonstrates the critical intersection of NIL strategy, recruitment leverage, and legal exposure. If your athlete is considering signing any NIL agreement, make sure transfer and termination clauses are explicitly addressed.
Three Money Streams: The New Financial Complexity
Here's something that wasn't true two years ago: current Power Conference athletes can now have three different income channels:
School revenue-sharing under the House settlement
Traditional third-party NIL deals
Scholarship and educational benefits
This creates a financial picture that's much more complex than "one big NIL deal." Parents should help athletes think like small business owners: track what's coming from the school vs. a collective vs. brands, understand tax obligations, and watch how revenue-sharing might affect expectations for playing time, roster spots, and transfer decisions.
π Coach's Corner: Think of this like managing a playbook with multiple formations. Each income stream has different rules, different expectations, and different stakeholders. The athletes who can manage this complexity or have families who help them manage it will have significant advantages over those who just react to whatever comes their way.
High School NIL: Policy Readiness and Parent Guardrails
Recent legal and consulting guidance for schools makes one thing crystal clear: high schools can't wait anymore. They need NIL policies covering disclosure of deals, bans on pay-for-play, use of school logos, social media expectations, and student conduct around endorsements.
These guidelines explicitly frame parents as central guardrails. Most teens don't understand contract terms, eligibility risks, or how a bad deal can harm college recruiting. Schools are being urged to train parents and students together on NIL basics and social media hygiene.
What Parents Should Be Asking AND Why This Is Your Opportunity Too
Let's pause here for a moment, because this section isn't just about protecting your athlete. It's about recognizing that you're standing at the same starting line they are, and the skills you develop navigating NIL together could open doors YOU haven't even considered yet.
Think about it: How many parents in your community truly understand NIL? How many coaches are scrambling to figure this out? How many local businesses want to work with student-athletes but have no idea where to start or what's even allowed?
You're about to become one of the few people who actually gets it. And that knowledge has value for your family, your community, and potentially your career.
The Questions Every Parent Should Be Asking
Before your athlete signs anything, or even starts building their brand, you need to understand the playing field. Here's your reconnaissance checklist:
1. Does my athlete's school have a written NIL policy?
This sounds basic, but you'd be shocked how many schools are still operating without clear guidelines. Some athletic directors are making it up as they go. Others have detailed policies buried in handbooks no one reads. Your job is to find that documentβor discover that it doesn't exist yet.
Pro tip: If your school doesn't have a policy, that's not necessarily bad news. It might mean you have an opportunity to help shape one. More on that in a moment.
2. What disclosure requirements exist for deals?
Most states and schools that permit high school NIL require athletes to disclose their deals, but the specifics vary wildly. Some want notification before signing. Others want copies of contracts. Some just want to know deals exist. Understanding these requirements protects your athlete's eligibility and keeps everyone out of hot water.
3. Are there restrictions on using school logos or uniforms?
This is where most families trip up. Almost universally, high school NIL deals must be separate from the school. That means no photos in the team jersey for sponsored posts, no school logos in promotional materials, no "Starting quarterback for Central High" in brand partnerships. The deal is with your athlete as an individual, not as a representative of the school.
4. What industries or deal types are prohibited?
Even in states where NIL is fully permitted, certain categories are typically off-limits: alcohol, tobacco, gambling, cannabis, adult entertainment, and weapons are common exclusions. Some states add others. Know the list before your athlete gets excited about a deal that could cost them their eligibility.
5. Is there parent/athlete NIL education available?
Schools are increasingly offering NIL workshops, and some state associations provide resources. If your school offers education, take it, even if you think you already know this stuff. If they don't offer it... well, keep reading.
Want to Go Deeper? Join Us on February 5th
Here's the thing: reading about NIL is helpful, but having your specific questions answered in real-time is a game-changer.
That's why we're hosting a FREE NIL Navigator Webinar on February 5th and it's designed specifically for parents and families navigating the high school NIL landscape.
What you'll get:
A clear breakdown of the current NIL rules affecting high school athletes
Practical strategies for protecting your athlete while maximizing opportunities
Live Q&A where you can ask about YOUR specific situation
Actionable next steps you can implement immediately
Whether you're just starting to explore NIL or you've got deals on the table and need guidance, this webinar will give you the clarity and confidence to move forward strategically.
π Date: February 5th, 2026
π° Cost: FREE
π― Who it's for: Parents, families, and coaches of high school student-athletes
π Sign up now at nilnavigator.com or email [email protected] to reserve your spot.
Seats are limited, and trust us: you don't want to be the parent still Googling "what is NIL?" while other families are already building their athletes' futures. Get in the room. Get the knowledge. Get ahead.
The Bigger Picture: This Is Your Opportunity Too
Here's what most parents miss: NIL isn't just your athlete's journey, it's a crash course in skills that are increasingly valuable everywhere.
Think about what you're learning as you navigate this landscape:
Contract literacy - Understanding terms, obligations, termination clauses, and red flags
Brand strategy - How to build, protect, and leverage a personal brand
Compliance navigation - Working within complex, evolving regulatory frameworks
Negotiation fundamentals - Evaluating deals, understanding market value, knowing when to walk away
Financial literacy - Tax implications, multiple income streams, business structure basics
Digital marketing - Social media strategy, content creation, audience building
These aren't just "sports parent" skills. These are professional skills that translate directly into business, entrepreneurship, and career advancement.
Five Ways Parents Can Turn NIL Knowledge Into Opportunity
1. Become a Resource in Your Community
Once you understand NIL, you'll realize how few people actually do. Other parents will start asking you questions. Coaches will want your input. Local businesses will wonder how this all works. That expertise positions you as a go-to resource, and resources get remembered when opportunities arise.
By the way attending the February 5th webinar is a great way to fast-track this expertise. Show up informed, leave as the person in your circle who actually knows what's going on.
2. Help Shape Policy at Your School or District
If your school's NIL policy is nonexistent or outdated, volunteer to help develop one. Athletic directors and administrators are often overwhelmed and would welcome informed parent involvement. This kind of leadership gets noticed by school boards, by community leaders, by people who make hiring decisions.
3. Bridge the Gap for Local Businesses
Here's an underserved market: local businesses that want to work with student-athletes but have no idea how to do it compliantly. A parent who understands both sides of what athletes need and what businesses want can facilitate connections that benefit everyone. Some parents have turned this into consulting side gigs. Others have used it to strengthen their own business relationships.
4. Build Skills That Translate to Your Career
The contract review skills you develop protecting your athlete? They apply to vendor agreements, employment contracts, and business deals. The brand strategy thinking? It's directly relevant to marketing roles, entrepreneurship, and professional positioning. The compliance navigation? Valuable in virtually any regulated industry. Document what you're learning. Add it to your professional toolkit.
5. Model Entrepreneurial Thinking for Your Athlete
When your athlete sees you actively learning, asking questions, and finding opportunities in a new landscape, you're teaching them something more valuable than any NIL deal: how to think like an entrepreneur. You're showing them that unfamiliar territory isn't scary, it's where opportunity lives. Adaptability in our constantly evolving digital world is truly the most future-proofing traitΒ
The Parent-Athlete Partnership Model
The most successful NIL families we've seen operate as partnerships. The athlete brings the talent, the platform, and the authenticity. The parent brings the business acumen, the adult perspective, and the protective oversight.
This doesn't mean parents should take over. It means parents should coach: teaching decision-making frameworks rather than making decisions, asking guiding questions rather than giving orders, and gradually transferring responsibility as the athlete demonstrates readiness.
Questions to discuss together:
What kind of brands align with who you are and who you want to become?
What's your time worth, and how do we evaluate whether a deal respects that?
What are the long-term implications of this partnership, not just the short-term payment?
How does this fit with your athletic goals, academic commitments, and personal values?
What would make you proud of this deal in five years? What might make you regret it?
These conversations build business thinking that lasts far beyond any single dealβand they strengthen the parent-athlete relationship in the process.
A Note for Parents Who Feel Behind
If you're reading this thinking, "I don't know any of this stuff?!? How am I supposed to help my athlete?"Β Take a breath. You're not behind. You're exactly where you need to be.
The NIL landscape is new for everyone. The families who succeed aren't the ones who started with expertise, they're the ones who committed to learning alongside their athletes. You picked up this newsletter. You're reading a section about parent involvement. You're already ahead of most families who are still pretending NIL doesn't apply to high schoolers.
Start with the five questions above. Ask them at your next parent-coach meeting or send an email to your athletic director. You'll learn something, you'll demonstrate engagement, and you'll probably discover that the adults running your athletic program are just as eager to figure this out as you are.
And if you want a head start? Join us on February 5th for the free webinar. We'll walk through everything you need to know, answer your questions live, and send you home with a clear action plan. No fluff, no sales pitchβjust the knowledge you need to protect and empower your athlete.
π Reserve your free spot: nilnavigator.com or email [email protected]
The NIL era rewards preparation, not perfection. You don't need to know everything: you just need to be willing to learn, ask questions, and protect your athlete while they build something meaningful.
And hey, you might just build something meaningful for yourself in the process.
High School NIL: State-by-State Reality Check
High school NIL rules are set by each state association, and most now allow some form of NIL so long as athletes avoid school logos/branding, pay-for-play, and restricted industries.
Core Takeaways
Nearly every state has clarified whether high school NIL is permitted, prohibited, or under consideration, and rules can differ significantly even between neighbors.
Where NIL is permitted, athletes generally must keep deals separate from their school (no logos, uniforms, or direct team references) and may face bans on categories like alcohol, gambling, or other vice industries.
Where NIL Stands by State as of the end of calendar year 2025
Status | States |
Prohibited | Alabama, Hawaii, Indiana, Mississippi |
Under Review | Michigan, Wyoming (policies being actively reviewed or discussed) |
Permitted | All other states and D.C. (typically with restrictions on school marks, inducements, and certain sponsors). Ohio and West Virginia joined in 2025 after policy changes. |
How Athletes Should Use This Information
Check your state's status - Verify whether you're in a permitted, prohibited, or under-consideration state before pursuing any deals
Confirm with your athletic director - Before signing any deal, get explicit confirmation that your activities comply with your state association's rules
Document compliance - Keep records showing your activities meet amateurism, disclosure, and logo/branding requirements
Watch for updates - States in the "under review" category could change status at any time
The Four Core Steps for High School NIL
Broader "NIL rules in 2025" guidance for athletes, parents, and coaches emphasizes four essential steps:
Step | Action |
1 | Know Your State's High School NIL Status - Permitted, prohibited, or under consideration |
2 | Insist on Written Contracts - Reviewed by a qualified adult or lawyer |
3 | Disclose Deals as Required - Follow school and clearinghouse reporting rules |
4 | Prioritize Eligibility and Academics - Short-term money isn't worth long-term opportunity loss |
We have a game-changing collaboration with Actualization.ai and their tool SquarePact: the platform that makes contracts simple.
Here's the reality: NIL contracts can be packed with confusing fine print, and most families face an uncomfortable choice: sign something you don't fully understand, or shell out hundreds of dollars in legal fees just to find out if a deal is legit. Neither option feels great, especially when you're not even sure if the deal is worth pursuing in the first place.
That's where SquarePact comes in. With their AI-powered platform, you can upload your contract and get NIL-specific insights in minutes: key terms, obligations, red flags, and potential concerns translated into plain English so you can make smarter decisions before you sign.
Exciting News: We Need Your Help
Actualization.ai is nearly done building the NIL-specific packlets for SquarePact, and they're eager for feedback from real families navigating real deals. This is where you come in.
If you or someone you know has an NIL contract you'd like reviewed before spending hundreds of dollars on legal fees, let us know. We can run it through the NIL Navigator portion of the software and give you insights that would typically cost a fortune to get from an attorney.
Here's the deal:
You get a clear, plain-English breakdown of your contract at no cost
We get valuable feedback to help fine-tune the tool for the NIL community
Everybody wins: especially athletes and families who deserve to understand what they're signing
Whether it's a collective agreement, a brand partnership, a social media deal, or something a local business put together on a napkin (we've seen it all), we want to see it. The more contracts we analyze, the better this tool becomes for everyone.
Why This Matters
Think about it: How many athletes have signed deals they didn't fully understand because hiring a lawyer felt like overkill for a $500 partnership? How many families have passed on legitimate opportunities because the contract language was intimidating and they couldn't afford professional review?
SquarePact is designed to close that gap, giving every athlete and family access to the kind of contract intelligence that used to be reserved for those with deep pockets and expensive attorneys.
And right now, during this feedback phase, you have a chance to be part of building something that will help athletes for years to come⦠while getting your own contracts reviewed in the process.
Got a contract you want us to look at?
Send it to [email protected]
Whether it's your contract, your athlete's contract, or a deal someone in your network is considering we are happy to run it through the system. Help us make this tool better while getting the clarity you need to make confident decisions.
Don't let confusing contract language cost you money, opportunity, or eligibility. Let's figure it out together.
The Final Whistle: Closing Out 2025
What a year it's been. We've watched NIL mature from the Wild West days into something more sophisticated and more crazily more complex. Revenue-sharing frameworks are becoming reality. Compliance systems are taking shape. Legal battles are setting precedents that will define opportunities for years to come.
For high school athletes and families, the message is clear: preparation beats reaction. The families who understand state rules, demand written contracts, prioritize eligibility, and build authentic brands will have massive advantages over those who chase quick money without a strategy.
As we head into 2026, remember: NIL isn't just about the deals you sign, it's about the professional skills you develop, the relationships you build, and the brand you create. Those assets will serve you long after your playing days end, whether or not you ever sign a deal.
NIL Navigator exists to be your compass through this complexity. When rules change, when platforms shift, when opportunities emerge: we're here to help you navigate, adapt, and ultimately dominate.
Stay strategic. Stay authentic. Stay ready.
Game on,
The NIL Navigator Team
SEE YOU IN 2026!
π¬ Pay it forward: Share this newsletter with an athlete, coach, or parent who wants to level up their NIL game
The Helm Newsletter is published weekly for athletes, parents, and coaches navigating the modern student-athlete sports landscape. Have a topic suggestion or question? Reach out to us at [email protected]
Disclaimer: NIL Navigator provides general information and education, not legal advice. For legal matters, please consult a qualified attorney.
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