Leveling the Playing Field: Why Ohio High School Athletes Deserve NIL Compensation Like Young Musicians, Tech Wizards, and Actors

Wolfe Sports Recruiting
May 28
6 min read

Updated: Sep 23

In Ohio, a state renowned for its passionate sports culture and powerhouse high school programs, the absence of NIL rights for high school athletes stands in stark contrast to the opportunities afforded to other young talents—musicians, tech innovators, and actors—who can profit from their skills at a young age. As leaders in the recruiting space, Wolfe Sports Recruiting argues that Ohio high school athletes deserve the same right to earn from their name, image, and likeness as their peers in other fields. By drawing parallels to these industries and highlighting Ohio’s unique sports landscape, we advocate for policy change to empower young athletes and their families.

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The Case for High School NIL in Ohio

Ohio is a hotbed for high school sports, producing NFL stars and NBA talents like LeBron James. The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) oversees 800+ schools and 400,000 student-athletes, generating significant revenue through ticket sales, merchandise, and media rights for events like the football state championships, which draw thousands to Canton’s Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Yet, while these athletes drive economic value, they are barred from profiting from their personal brands due to OHSAA’s amateurism rules, which prohibit compensation for endorsements or appearances.

Compare this to other young talents in Ohio:

Musicians: A 16-year-old Ohio singer can sign with a record label, perform paid gigs, or monetize YouTube covers, earning thousands without losing eligibility for school activities. For example, Cincinnati’s Kidz Bop performers earn royalties from national tours.
Tech Wizards: Young coders in Columbus or Cleveland can develop apps, sell software, or secure venture capital for startups, with no restrictions on their academic participation. Teens like those in Ohio’s Techstars programs have launched ventures worth millions.
Actors: High school actors in Ohio’s thriving theater scene, like those in Cleveland’s Playhouse Square, can earn from commercials, films, or social media sponsorships without jeopard restriction.

These industries celebrate young talent’s ability to capitalize on their skills, yet Ohio’s high school athletes face a double standard. A star quarterback from St. Xavier High School, who draws 10,000 fans to a game, cannot sign a $1,000 deal with a local car dealership, while a teen actor can earn the same for a TikTok ad. This disparity is not just unfair—it stifles economic opportunity and fails to prepare athletes for the professionalized world of college sports, where NIL deals are now standard.

Ohio’s Sports Landscape: A Case Study in Untapped Potential

Ohio’s high school sports scene is a microcosm of the professional sports economy. The OHSAA reported $10 million in revenue from ticket sales and sponsorships in 2023, with football and basketball leading the way. Schools like Massillon Washington and Mentor High School generate thousands per game through gate receipts, concessions, and merchandise, often fueled by standout athletes. These athletes, however, see none of this revenue, despite their role in driving it. Meanwhile, businesses like local restaurants or apparel brands are eager to partner with teen stars to tap into Ohio’s sports-crazed fan base, which boasts a median household income of $62,000, ideal for sponsorships.

The professional sports model, particularly in Ohio-born sports like football, shows what’s possible. NFL players from Ohio, such as Joe Burrow, command multimillion-dollar endorsements from Nike and Bose, built on brand equity developed in high school. Allowing high school athletes to pursue NIL deals would mirror this, enabling them to secure contracts with local businesses (e.g., Skyline Chili in Cincinnati) or national brands like Gatorade. For instance, a top Ohio wrestler could earn $500–$5,000 per deal for social media posts, mirroring college deals like those of Ohio State’s Sammy Sasso, valued at $50,000 annually.

Moreover, NIL would prepare athletes for college, where Ohio State’s Buckeyes lead the nation with $26 million in NIL activity. Without high school NIL experience, Ohio athletes enter college at a disadvantage, lacking the branding and financial literacy skills needed to navigate complex deals. States like California, Florida, and Texas, which allow high school NIL, are already producing athletes who transition seamlessly to college, securing deals with brands like Under Armour before stepping on campus.

Equity and Economic Opportunity: Why Athletes Deserve Compensation

The argument for high school NIL in Ohio hinges on equity and economic fairness. Young musicians, tech innovators, and actors face no restrictions on monetizing their talents, yet athletes are penalized for their visibility. This is particularly inequitable in Ohio, where sports like football, basketball, and wrestling are cultural cornerstones, driving community engagement and local economies. A 2024 study estimated that high school sports generate $2.5 billion in economic impact nationwide, with Ohio’s share in the hundreds of millions. Athletes, as the primary value creators, should share in this wealth.

NIL also addresses socioeconomic disparities. Many Ohio athletes come from underserved communities, where sports are a path to opportunity. A $1,000 endorsement deal could fund college applications, training camps, or family expenses, leveling the playing field for athletes who lack the resources of their musician or actor peers. Furthermore, NIL fosters financial literacy, teaching teens to negotiate contracts, manage taxes, and build brands—skills as valuable as those learned in music or tech.

Critics argue that high school NIL risks exploitation or distracts from academics. However, safeguards like those in California’s Fair Pay to Play Act—capping deal frequency, requiring parental oversight, and mandating financial education—can mitigate these concerns. Ohio could adopt similar rules, ensuring athletes are protected while accessing opportunities akin to their non-athlete peers.

Lessons from Other States and Industries

States like California, Florida, and Texas offer models for Ohio to emulate. California’s 2019 law allows high school athletes to secure NIL deals without losing eligibility, resulting in teens like quarterback Bryce Young earning six-figure contracts before college. Florida’s 2021 policy permits athletes to partner with local businesses, with safeguards to prevent academic disruption. These states demonstrate that high school NIL can work with proper regulation, boosting local economies and preparing athletes for college.

The music, tech, and acting industries further illustrate the potential. Young musicians in Ohio’s School of Rock programs earn from performances without restrictions, while tech teens in Code Fever camps monetize apps freely. Actors in community theaters like Toledo’s Valentine Theatre sign commercial deals with no penalty. Ohio’s athletes deserve the same freedom, especially given their economic impact. For example, a Dayton basketball star could partner with a local sneaker store, driving sales while earning $2,000 for a single campaign, mirroring deals in other fields.

A Call to Action: Join the Wolfe Pack and Advocate for Change

Ohio has the opportunity to lead the nation in high school NIL, ensuring its athletes are not left behind in the evolving sports landscape. Wolfe Sports Recruiting is committed to championing this cause, advocating for policy changes that empower young athletes to earn from their talents, just as musicians, tech wizards, and actors do. We call on parents, coaches, fans, and businesses to join the Wolfe Pack and take action to make high school NIL a reality in Ohio.

Call to Action: