Ohio House to Debate Bill Allowing High School Athletes to Earn NIL Income

The proposed legislation aims to give student-athletes the ability to profit from their name, image, and likeness.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 2:09am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, geometric painting in primary colors depicting the abstract forms of high school basketball players, representing the complex issues surrounding name, image, and likeness rights for student-athletes.A cubist interpretation of the financial opportunities and challenges facing high school athletes as Ohio debates allowing them to profit from their name, image, and likeness.Today in Dayton

The Ohio House is set to debate House Bill 745, also known as the Student Athlete Publicity Rights and Fair Compensation Act, which would allow high school athletes in the state to earn income from the use of their name, image, and likeness (NIL). The bill is backed by Representative Phil Plummer, who says it is intended to help student-athletes, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds, afford the costs associated with honing their athletic skills.

Why it matters

This proposed legislation comes after a lawsuit filed by a Wayne High School student-athlete, Jamier Brown, against the Ohio High School Athletic Association over the current ban on high school athletes profiting from their NIL. The bill aims to bring Ohio in line with the 46 other states that already allow high school NIL deals, while also implementing guardrails to protect the athletes and the integrity of high school sports.

The details

House Bill 745 would allow high school student-athletes to enter into NIL deals, as long as they have parental consent if they are under 18 and the deals are reported if they are worth more than $500. The bill also includes restrictions, such as prohibiting the use of NIL deals for recruiting purposes and banning the promotion of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, gambling, adult entertainment, and weapons.

  • On March 10, 2026, House Bill 745 was introduced to the Ohio House of Representatives for debate and potential passage.
  • The bill was introduced after a lawsuit filed by Wayne High School student-athlete Jamier Brown against the Ohio High School Athletic Association over the current ban on high school athletes profiting from their NIL.

The players

Phil Plummer

An Ohio state representative who is backing the introduction of House Bill 745, which would allow high school athletes to earn income from their name, image, and likeness.

Jamier Brown

A Wayne High School student-athlete who sued the Ohio High School Athletic Association over the current ban on high school athletes profiting from their name, image, and likeness.

Ohio High School Athletic Association

The governing body for high school sports in Ohio, which currently prohibits high school athletes from earning income from their name, image, and likeness.

House Bill 661

Another bill introduced in the Ohio House that aims to cancel out the motion to move forward with House Bill 745, the pro-NIL legislation.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The poor athlete who's training all the time, every day, to have time to work at McDonald's and make a few extra bucks. I don't think many kids will get wealthy from this, but it may give them, you know, that extra money, like I said, to go to those specialized camps...enhance their craft.”

— Phil Plummer, Ohio State Representative

“The negative would be if it were abused, if recruiting really occurred, there's gotta be a penalty on this recruiting.”

— Phil Plummer, Ohio State Representative

“We want to keep our kids in Ohio. We want to educate our kids in Ohio. We want them to be part of our workforce in Ohio. You know, that's my goal as a legislator.”

— Phil Plummer, Ohio State Representative

What’s next

The Ohio House is expected to debate and potentially vote on House Bill 745 in the coming weeks. If passed, the legislation would then move to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.

The takeaway

The proposed legislation to allow high school athletes in Ohio to earn income from their name, image, and likeness is a significant step towards providing student-athletes, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds, with more financial opportunities to support their athletic pursuits. However, the bill's success will depend on the implementation of effective guardrails to prevent potential abuse and maintain the integrity of high school sports.