NCHSAA Commissioner discusses NIL for high schoolers at state meeting

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Name, image, and likeness transformed the college athletics landscape, but what could that look like at the high school level?

During Wednesday’s State Board of Education meeting, North Carolina High School Athletic Association Commissioner Que Tucker laid out things for the board to consider when it comes to whether NIL should be allowed for high school athletes.

Tucker said the issue is not something the state can run away from. The State Board of Education is the body that would decide on an NIL policy.

“I think if we don’t do it now, we are going to be forced into doing it a little bit later,” Tucker said.

High schoolers using their athletic status to make money is a growing trend across the country.

Athletes at private schools that are part of the North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association will be allowed to profit from NIL deals this year. Legislators struck down a policy for public schools last year.

Tucker stresses this would not be a way for teens to get rich.

“It’s not pay to play, I’m not a proponent of that,” she said. “I’m a proponent of opportunities and that’s what I think our student athletes really deserve.”

Opportunities she said about 30 other similar athletic associations across the country already allow.

Tucker said the average NIL deal she’s seen athletes get in other states ranges from $65 to $150.

NCHSAA’s full presentation can be found here .

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