The FHSAA has approved NIL, which stands for name, image, likeness deals, for high school athletes beginning in 2024. This is pending State Board of Education ratification on July 24th, 2024.

This is a big deal for local athletes as they will be able to make money off of sports. In section 9.9.4.2 NIL Collectives, it states: “NIL Collectives shall not include team fundraising but does include and is not limited to groups, organizations, or cooperative enterprises that exist to collect funds from donors and businesses, to help facilitate NIL deals for student-athletes, and/or create ways for athletes to monetize from their NIL deals.”

Some coaches have been for NIL deals and some against it. One of the supporters of NIL deals has been Brad Lord of South Lake High School who sees the benefits of it. “I can see the benefits of the NIL deals. We have known this has been coming for a long time. It’s something coaches around Florida will need to adjust to,” said Lord in a recent interview.

Other coaches have been weary of NIL deals making their way into High School sports, including Umatilla Athletic Director Patrick Todd. “I think the integrity and purity of high school sports is the concern with NIL deals,” says Patrick Todd.

Regardless, student-athletes are going to begin making money off of NIL deals with some exceptions. Student-athletes are prohibited from accepting NIL deals with adult services such as alcohol, tobacco, nicotine products, betting, and more.

This is a big change in the High School Landscape. Florida would grow the list of states that have approved NIL deals for high school students to over 30.

How this ultimately will impact high school sports will be understood in due time. However, for Lake & Sumter County athletes, this could have a positive impact. Some students come from tough and poor backgrounds. Making some extra money would be great for them. Perhaps if NIL takes off in our area, classes or mentors could be provided to help guide students on what to do with the money they would ultimately receive.